RKP 201-210

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Episode 201

In the mental world, the measure of strength is mental power, and the one who can exert the greatest power is the master of that world.

In that regard, the other Taehyun, the Doppelganger, was no exaggeration to call him the best in the mental world.

The reason Taehyun couldn't beat him in the mental world was for that reason.

Although he was trapped again.

Taehyun's rapid growth meant that the magical power flowing into the mental world was incomparable to what it was before.

It wouldn't be strange for him to call himself king, at least in the mental world.

That didn't change even with the Vampire Lord Igmun in front of him.

[Amazing.]

Igmun muttered calmly.

Even though he was just a clone, his power was unmatched except for the Archduke.

It would be strange if he wasn't intrigued by a being who could easily block such power.

[You. Are you perhaps a device to guard the key?]

Igmun asked once again.

But the answer that came back from the Doppelganger was unexpected.

"You talk too much."

[Ha.]

Igmun let out a hollow laugh.

An arrogant attitude no less than his own.

Only another Archduke could show such an attitude in front of an Archduke.

Therefore.

[I will confirm it. Whether you are a being worthy of your rank.]

Crimson magical power gushed out from Igmun's body once again.

[Blood Field.]

Hwaaaaaaa.

As if painted with watercolors, the surroundings instantly turned into a world of blood.

Taehyun's eyes twitched.

Because he realized that his world was being invaded.

The mental world itself was a field.

Overlaying a new field on such a place?

It was an outrageous act that only a monster of the Archduke level could do.

"This is absurd."

Kwaaaaa.

Crimson magical power also rose from Taehyun's body.

And.

Hwaaaaaaak.

'Apocalypse' unfolded over the magical power that Igmun had overlaid.

Crackle. Crackle.

Sparks flew everywhere as the two domains touched.

It seemed like a push-and-pull situation was progressing, and then the mental world was divided into two domains.

Igmun's 'Blood Field' and the Doppelganger's 'Apocalypse'.

Up, down, left, and right.

Each domain began to invade the other's domain.

Igmun was the first to make a move.

With a gesture, hundreds of blood swords (血劍) were created in the air.

"Oh."

Taehyun admired softly.

Not just because of the number.

Each one was of a size that was embarrassing to call a greatsword.

The magical power contained in each greatsword was also worthy of being called a technique of an SS-rank monster.

Even while facing such blood swords.

The corners of Taehyun's lips went up.

Just like Igmun, Taehyun waved his hand.

Swish. Swish.

Similarly, hundreds of black swords (黑劍) were created in Taehyun's field.

Of course, each one possessed magical power that was not inferior to Igmun's.

[Oh.]

This time, Igmun admired softly.

He could tell at once.

The black swords in front of him were not original techniques, but copies of the blood swords.

Even the number was the same.

He was being provoked.

Himself, an Archduke.

Himself, who was called the Master of Blood.

[If you want, I will indulge you.]

Igmun nodded his head.

It was like watching the advance of cavalry.

The blood swords slowly moved towards the Doppelganger.

The black swords were the same.

The field became quiet.

And when the foremost blood sword and black sword collided.

The space rippled with the explosion.

Such explosions occurred in a chain reaction.

The mental world shook like never before.

"It's a suitable technique as a preliminary battle."

Taehyun said with a bitter smile beyond the explosion.

Tak.

Igmun snapped his fingers.

This time, blood swords large enough to fill the red sky were created.

Each one was the size of a castle pillar.

Needless to say, the magical power contained within was even greater.

If those many things were to fall, the control of the mental world would be shaken.

[Are you prepared?]

It was when Igmun was about to command the descent with a bitter smile.

"That can't be."

Tak.

Taehyun snapped his fingers.

Kugugugugu.

The mental world began to shake.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The land, which was like a desert, split.

[…….]

It wasn't just the land that was splitting.

The red sky split and cracks began to form in the rippling space.

[You don't mean to tell me….]

Igmun trailed off as if in disbelief.

Kim Taehyun.

No, that unidentified guy was collapsing the mental world himself.

The collapse of the mental world leads to the extinction of the self.

[You. Do you intend to die together?]

Igmun clicked his tongue as he said that.

He was planning to seize the mental world as it was and control Kim Taehyun's body.

But what if his thoughts were to disappear along with the space here?

In the end, there was no other way but to send subordinates separately.

But what the Doppelganger was aiming for was not a mutual destruction.

"Me with the likes of you? Your thoughts are excessive."

The Doppelganger smiled bitterly and gathered magical power.

Not only Apocalypse.

The magical power of gluttony overflowed from all over the mental world.

Before he knew it, Igmun's Blood Field, which had been maintaining a balance of power, had shrunk to one-third.

Needless to say, the momentum of the blood swords had decreased.

In inverse proportion to that, the energy emanating from Taehyun's body was gradually becoming stronger.

He was concentrating all the magical power of the mental world into his body.

[Ha.]

Igmun, who was watching, let out a hollow laugh.

To make the mental world run wild and gather that power into his own body.

Even an Archduke couldn't do it without being the main body.

That also meant that Igmun, who was a clone, could not stop it.

The result would be obvious even if he fought more.

[Why is a guy like you sleeping here?]

"None of your business."

Taehyun, who said that, clenched his fist.

Kwaaaaaaa.

As if answering his will.

The magical power flowing from his body covered Igmun like a tsunami.

As if a tsunami were to break a dam.

The Blood Field easily collapsed.

Crack.

Igmun's body was surrounded by the maw of gluttony.

"Hand over your magical power and get out."

[Heh… I was rash. To think there would be someone like you in the key.]

Igmun's expression, saying that, was smiling.

It was not at all the face of someone being devoured.

[Let's meet again.]

Those were his last words.

Kwaajik.

Igmun's face was torn apart.

Crunch. Crunch.

Soon, the magical power of gluttony swallowed his entire body.

Thud.

Taehyun vomited blood.

He had raised his physical ability stats to the limit with 'Blood Frenzy' following 'Apocalypse'.

In that state, he spammed a number of skills.

All the wounds were regenerated with 'Blood Frenzy', but the problem was mental power.

Although the overall stats had grown, it was a miracle that he had endured until now.

"Keuk."

Taehyun groaned and drank a magical power potion.

The magical power was being depleted as quickly as it was being filled.

'That guy….'

He didn't have to see what was happening in the mental world to predict it.

He had expected the skill spam.

The problem was that the recovery speed couldn't keep up with the consumption speed.

'At this rate, I won't last 30 seconds.'

He had to get out of here in the meantime.

It would be difficult to avoid a dog's death if he passed out in Igmun's territory.

It was when Taehyun was trying to force his body, which wasn't moving properly, to move.

Thud.

Suddenly, Igmun's hand grabbed Taehyun's shoulder and stopped him.

"……!!"

Taehyun, surprised, raised his hand to shake it off.

No, he tried to shake it off.

"Keuk…."

His body didn't move.

Igmun's crimson eyes were binding Taehyun's body.

[It was a truly interesting experience.]

Blood flowed from Igmun's mouth as he said that.

No, not just from his mouth.

Dribble.

Igmun's body was melting.

Just like when he first appeared, his body was turning back into blood.

'This guy….'

Taehyun, who finally grasped the situation, stared at Igmun, who only had his upper body left.

[Hehe. Let's meet in my castle next time.]

Those were his last words.

Igmun's body completely melted away.

The existence that had been like a mountain just a moment ago had disappeared in an instant.

Thump.

Taehyun sat down as he was, due to the belated feeling of exhaustion.

At the same time, a number of message windows popped up.

Ting.

[You have devoured a part of a great being.]

[Strength increases by 20.]

[Stamina increases by 20.]

[Speed increases by 10.]

[Magical power increases by 15.]

[The yoma power of the general skill Blood Frenzy (S) is readjusted.]

[The yoma power of the summoning skill Igmun (S) is readjusted.]

"Ha… ha…."

Even though it was a clone, he had devoured an Archduke.

Once again, he realized the existence of the Doppelganger.

Taehyun staggered and got up.

'Igmun's subordinates might come rushing in from somewhere again.'

He had to get out of here first.

Taehyun's expression wasn't bad as he left the Blood Temple.

"80% of the identified New Thousand-Eye Church members have been isolated and detained. 30% of them have been identified as Mind."

"30%… That's a tremendous figure."

Ji Jinhee said with a firm face to Go Taewook's report.

"What happened to those guys?"

Go Taewook immediately understood that the people Ji Jinhee was talking about were the masterminds of this incident.

New Thousand-Eye Church leader Min Daehee.

Samhaphoe's Samnodo Shadow.

And Malice Guild's guild leader Min Ji Hong.

"We are currently chasing down Church leader Min Daehee and Shadow together. They are using Anti Warp skills, so we will be able to corner them soon."

"What about Malice Guild's guild leader?"

As a result of torturing the remnants, it was already known that the guild leader of Malice Guild was not Shadow, but Min Ji Hong.

As it was confirmed that Samhaphoe and the remnants of Malice Guild were behind the New Thousand-Eye Church, he thought they would show their faces when cornered.

But so far, only Shadow had shown his face.

"Still nowhere to be found."

"I see… All we can rely on is vaccine development."

"Alchemist is working hard, but… there is still no effect."

"If necessary, use government ties to support them."

"I understand."

"Has there been any contact from Taehyun?"

Ji Jinhee asked, unable to erase his worried expression.

It had been a considerable amount of time since Taehyun had left for the Abyss without participating in the New Thousand-Eye Church subjugation.

He didn't think something would happen to someone of that level of skill, but that didn't mean he wasn't worried.

"They haven't been found in the Safety Zone of the Deep Layers either."

"I see…."

It was when Ji Jinhee was sighing with regret.

The door to the Association President's office opened and an Association employee entered.

"Association President!! Report that they have cornered the New Thousand-Eye Church leader!!"

"What about Shadow?!!"

"It is judged that Shadow is there too."

The Shadow's skills that the existing Association was judging were at the level of an S-rank high-level player.

But the skills he displayed during the escape were a force that surpassed imagination.

His rank had been upgraded to S-rank top-level, which was at the level of a former national power-level player.

There were not many people in New Korea who could face that level of power.

The subordinate continued the report.

"Currently, Player Park Seongjin, Guild Leader Kwon Ganghyeok, and Guild Leader Kwak Siyang are leading the escort units and gathering at the scene."

"That's good."

It was no exaggeration to say that they were New Korea's top power.

Ji Jinhee put his hand on Go Taewook's shoulder.

"From now on, you are the temporary Association President."

It was a plan that had already been discussed in advance.

"Please be careful."

"Let's go."

Ji Jinhee, who nodded, left the Association President's office with his subordinate.

Go Taewook bowed and saw off such Ji Jinhee.

Episode 202

Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province.

Min Dae-hee, the leader of the Saecheonrian cult, passed through a small warp gate.

Ten people, known as his personal guards, protected his rear.

Swish. Swish.

Three men cut down the guards and followed him through the warp gate.

"Hee... Hee... Why... Why are you doing this?"

Min Dae-hee asked the three men who followed him, panting for breath.

"You have the nerve to talk so shamelessly."

Kwak Si-yang scoffed as he replied.

This guy is accused of being a major criminal for helping the triads and malignant guilds, which are essentially lairs for the Minds, spread a mass infection.

He had been evading the Association's pursuit until now.

Now that he was cornered, he was belatedly pretending to be a good citizen.

The mid-to-high level Minds that Shadow had placed as escorts were currently facing off against players led by Im A-young.

The personal guards, composed of high-level Minds, had just been taken care of by the three men.

It was a shame that they missed Shadow, who had suddenly disappeared, but capturing Min Dae-hee was gain enough.

"Damn it. That kind of guy turned the country upside down. Shinhan Kuk is in its final days."

Kwon Kang-hyuk cursed, looking at Min Dae-hee's body, which had no muscles to speak of.

"Sometimes controlling the mind is more dangerous than the body."

Park Sung-jin said as he approached Min Dae-hee.

"Anyway, you're good at talking utter crap. Let's break his limbs and take him away."

Park Sung-jin, Kwon Kang-hyuk, and Kwak Si-yang surrounded Min Dae-hee from three directions.

They knew he didn't have any special abilities, but they were being cautious.

"Ugh... Ugh... I didn't do anything wrong!!"

They were players representing Shinhan Kuk, no less.

As the three of them surrounded him, Min Dae-hee shouted as if he was wronged.

He had only done as he was told.

He spoke with such fervor, but...

"If you did as you were told, you have to take responsibility."

Kwak Si-yang said, opening his mana.

He was about to use an additional skill when...

"Responsibility. I agree with that word."

"……!!"

"……!!"

The three men instinctively turned around at the sudden voice.

There was the man who was pointed out as the mastermind behind this incident.

The Third Leader of the Triads' Korean branch and the Vice Guild Master of the Malignant Guild.

"Shadow-nim!!"

Ignoring Min Dae-hee's shout, Park Sung-jin rushed towards Shadow.

Whoosh.

His beloved sword, the Spiraling Seven Branches, cut through the air.

"……!!"

Before he knew it, Shadow had moved to Min Dae-hee.

It was the effect of the skill 'Servant of Darkness'.

Shadow placed his hand on Min Dae-hee's head.

Swish.

With just that, Min Dae-hee's figure disappeared.

No, to be exact, it would be more accurate to say that he had seeped into the shadow under his feet.

"Shadow. I thought you ran away?"

Kwak Si-yang asked, floating mana bullets in various places.

"Run away? Why would I need to run away from you guys?"

"You son of a bitch."

Kwon Kang-hyuk immediately opened his mana.

"Don't get excited, Guild Master Kwon Kang-hyuk."

Park Sung-jin said quietly, channeling mana into the Spiraling Seven Branches.

"Don't order me around."

Ding.

[Skill Beast's Protection (S) has been activated. Version: Werewolf]

Kwon Kang-hyuk's body, now with the legs of a wolf, shot out quickly.

The hand he swung was already as large as a bear's paw.

But...

Thud.

Shadow nonchalantly grabbed Kwon Kang-hyuk's arm.

Just as he was about to throw Kwon Kang-hyuk's body away...

Crack.

Kwon Kang-hyuk's upper body turned into that of a dinosaur.

He had changed skill versions in an instant.

It was a feat that could not be done without mastering proficiency to the highest level.

Whoosh.

With the sudden increase in strength, Shadow's body floated into the air.

Kwak Si-yang, who had completed his mana release, used his skill once again.

Ding.

[Skill Mana Condensation (S) has been activated. Condensation rate: 80%]

The condensed mana flew towards Shadow.

Just as the ten mana bullets were about to hit,

Swish.

Shadow's body disappeared once again.

Just as he appeared behind Kwak Si-yang and was about to twist his neck,

Ding.

[Skill Quick Draw (S) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]

Park Sung-jin's Spiraling Seven Branches cut through Shadow's body.

But he had already disappeared again.

"Damn, he's disgustingly fast."

Kwon Kang-hyuk grumbled and searched for Shadow's location.

Using skills consumes not only mana but also mental strength.

If he was using skills at this speed, he definitely wouldn't have gone far.

The first to detect him was Kwak Si-yang, who had released mana throughout the area.

Boom.

The mana bullets that had been condensed in various places exploded, revealing Shadow's figure.

He didn't seem to have taken any significant damage.

"This is an unexpected situation."

Shadow chuckled and shook his body.

Park Sung-jin, Kwak Si-yang, Kwon Kang-hyuk.

They were all S-rank high-level players representing Shinhan Kuk, but...

They were ultimately those who had failed to cross the wall.

The gap between them and the S-rank top-level he had reached was clear.

But why?

The power he had grasped through a brief exchange was very different from what he had expected.

"You guys... You've grown."

They hadn't completely crossed the wall yet.

But their skills were beyond those of even S-rank high-level players.

"Come to think of it, that girl from before wasn't an ordinary S-rank either."

"What?"

"What are you talking about, you son of a bitch."

"What am I talking about? Did you really think I ran away?"

Shadow asked back with an incomprehensible expression.

"Could it be... you...?"

Kwak Si-yang's face distorted as he was the first to understand Shadow's words.

"That's right. I've taken care of all the guys outside. That girl named Im A-young was quite tricky."

Park Sung-jin and Kwon Kang-hyuk's faces hardened belatedly.

"Don't worry. You guys will soon follow."

"You bastard...!!"

Kwon Kang-hyuk charged once again.

It was a speed that didn't match his size.

But this time, Shadow wasn't just watching.

Swish.

Kwon Kang-hyuk's charging body disappeared.

Instead, Kwak Si-yang appeared.

Thwack.

"Cough..."

Kwak Si-yang, who had been unexpectedly hit, clutched his abdomen and collapsed.

If he hadn't surrounded his body with mana, he would have died instantly from the impact.

Clang!!

Park Sung-jin's sword, which had charged next, was blocked by the scythe that Shadow had materialized.

"Where did you hide the leader?"

Grrr.

Park Sung-jin asked, struggling against Shadow's scythe.

"That guy still has some use left."

Clang!!

Park Sung-jin was pushed back by the scythe that Shadow swung.

Kwak Si-yang's mana.

Kwon Kang-hyuk's strength.

Park Sung-jin's speed.

None of them were overpowering Shadow.

"It's too early for you guys to get your hands on him."

"Damn it. Was he hiding his strength?"

"It seems we can't count on numerical superiority."

"We should have brought Guild Master Yoo A-young."

Just as Kwak Si-yang was about to prepare a large technique, regretting his words,

Whirr.

A man crossed the warp gate.

"You guys are having a hard time. Let me help too."

"Association President...?"

Park Sung-jin muttered, unable to hide his confusion.

He didn't expect Ji Jin-hee to actually show up on the scene.

"Old man. Stay out of this and just watch."

"This... It reminds me of the old days."

Kwak Si-yang smiled, recalling his rookie days.

Even though he had retired from active duty, Ji Jin-hee, the Association President...

"We can fill Guild Master Yoo A-young's spot."

The atmosphere reversed in an instant.

Ji Jin-hee walked towards Shadow.

Muscles tensed up, anticipating the prey.

"Give up. By now, Chairman Lee Jung-soo would have been arrested too."

Three people close to the top level of S-rank players.

And Ji Jin-hee, who had once reigned as the best player in Shinhan Kuk.

Four players representing Shinhan Kuk were targeting him.

Even so.

"This is fun."

Shadow chuckled and released his mana.

At that same time, while the Saecheonrian subjugation operation was in full swing.

Yoo A-young was meeting with Lee Jung-soo, the Vice Chairman of the Taesan Group.

Unlike her, who was sitting alone.

Lee Jung-soo was accompanied by ten S-rank Awakened.

They were talents specially hired as Lee Jung-soo's bodyguards.

"Vice Chairman-nim. Or should I say, Chairman-nim, since you recently became Chairman?"

"Oh my. Did you come all the way here to congratulate me?"

Lee Jung-soo leaned back on the sofa and asked with a sly smile.

"Ah~ No way."

A-young retorted in the same playful manner.

"We received intelligence that our Chairman is connected to Shadow of the Triads."

"Oh ho. That's the first I've heard of that. Isn't Shadow a person wanted as an S-rank Mind?"

Lee Jung-soo asked back as if he was genuinely surprised.

"Oh, come on. You're such a good actor."

The two people with smiles on their faces glared at each other.

Night Walker may be the best among Shinhan Kuk's intelligence agencies.

But in Shinhan Kuk's business world, the Taesan Group can be said to be the best.

She was now saying that she was going to arrest the leader of such a place.

And that too, in the Taesan Electronics President's office where his subordinates were gathered.

It would be strange not to laugh.

"Let me hear that evidence you're talking about..."

Just as Lee Jung-soo was about to sneer at A-young,

Swish.

A man jumped out of Lee Jung-soo's shadow.

"……!!"

"……!!"

Startled by the sudden situation, Lee Jung-soo and Yoo A-young stood up and distanced themselves.

"Hic... Hic... Please save me. Shadow-nim."

The man who appeared was sobbing and groveling, as if he was not in his right mind.

"Could it be... Min Dae-hee?"

A-young asked with an absurd expression.

Lee Jung-soo was just as dumbfounded.

"Who... are you?"

Lee Jung-soo asked as if spitting out the words.

Although he was asking.

It was a face he already knew.

The man in front of him was a man wanted just like Shadow and Min Ji-hong.

The leader of Saecheonrian, Min Dae-hee.

The problem was, why did such a guy jump out of his shadow?

'Could it be that Shadow is...?!'

When Lee Jung-soo's thoughts reached that point.

A-young was the first to make a move.

Ding.

[Skill Amazon's Spirit (S) has been activated. Targeting the subject. Mana consumption is accelerated.]

"Ugh...!!"

"Cough..."

"I can't breathe..."

Ten bodyguards knelt down in an instant at A-young's spirit.

Lee Jung-soo's face was just as stiff.

His whole body was tingling.

She had unofficially obtained the power of an S-rank mid-level player.

He had been conceited, but.

The mana that A-young was showing now far exceeded that of an S-rank high-level player.

She had also broken through the wall by being with Tae-hyun.

"Taesan Group Chairman Lee Jung-soo. From now on, you are under arrest on charges of being involved with the Minds. I'll use the cult leader over there as evidence."

A-young mocked and approached Lee Jung-soo.

She was thinking of breaking one of his limbs just in case.

But.

"Oh my. You've become much more violent since I last saw you."

At the sudden presence, A-young surrounded her entire body with mana.

At the same time.

Thwack.

Someone's fist struck her side.

A-young, who had broken through the wall and crashed into it, spat out a mouthful of blood.

Even though it was a surprise attack, for someone to give her this much of an impact.

More than anything, she was surprised that she hadn't noticed his presence while he was approaching so closely.

"Cough..."

A-young wiped away the blood and looked up.

There was a man who shouldn't have been there.

"You... Min Ji...hong?"

"Long time no see, Guild Master Yoo A-young."

Smirk.

The Guild Master of the Malignant Guild.

The Contractor of the Great Duke Orgal.

Shinhan Kuk's most wanted criminal.

The man everyone was after smiled grimly.

A different future from what Tae-hyun had experienced in his previous life was unfolding.

Okay, here's the translation:

Episode 203

Crack.

Taehyun shattered the skull of a monster blocking his path.

It had been less than five minutes since escaping the Blood Temple, and this was the second S-rank monster he'd encountered.

Just a moment ago.

Taehyun had defeated Bloodya, who had become an SSS-rank monster, albeit imperfectly.

Even so, dealing with S-rank monsters in succession wasn't easy.

Following Bloodya, he had fought against Igmun's clone.

The constant spamming of skills had left his body in terrible condition.

'This is dangerous.'

Crunch.

Taehyun snapped the neck of the third S-rank monster blocking his way, thinking.

The S-rank monsters themselves weren't a major problem in his current state.

But what if he wasted time like this and an SS-rank monster showed up?

What if there was more than one of them?

Then he might have to prepare for death once again.

[How dare you trespass here...]

Bang.

Taehyun punched the face of the fourth S-rank monster.

"......"

The feeling was different from before.

It wasn't an instant kill like the previous one.

Was it because this one was bigger than the last?

No.

It was Taehyun's physical stats and concentration that had weakened.

'Damn it. Has it already dropped this much?'

Taehyun put strength into his fist and swung again.

Bang.

The monster died from the second punch.

Meanwhile, more than ten monsters had gathered around him.

As expected of the deepest level.

Even the monsters that were considered prey were all S-rank.

[Could he have come from the Blood Temple?]

[It looks like he took care of Bloodya.]

[It seems like an opportunity has come for us.]

The monsters drooled as they scanned Taehyun.

The way they saw Taehyun now.

This battered human looked like prey that could be easily hunted if they just spent some time.

'Using skills will cause severe backlash.'

He still had an hour to go to the point he promised Rosaria.

Reaching there with severe backlash seemed impossible.

'It's a shame I lost Valhalla.'

Rare-grade items Talisman and Aslan.

And unique-grade items Reddick and Valhalla.

All items that top-tier players would kill to get their hands on.

But there was a limit to fighting SS-rank monsters and above with them.

Even though he had surrounded them with mana to maximize their durability, they didn't last long.

'Considering future battles, a legendary-grade weapon is essential.'

Taehyun was thinking that when.

The S-rank monsters parted, and one monster approached.

[Is Bloodya really dead?]

"......"

Taehyun's gaze went up.

A humanoid giant of 4 meters.

Horns sprouted from his head.

He resembled a goblin from mythology.

[Answer me.]

The one who was now at the front wriggled his muscular body and asked.

An ominous mana emanated from his body.

Taehyun knew instantly that he was an SS-rank monster.

"This is bad."

He had wasted too much time because of the variable Igmun.

The corners of the mouth of the guy, who didn't understand Korean, lifted grotesquely.

[Well, fine. Either way, an intruder. If I take you to Lord Igmun, I'll be rewarded.]

The guy said that and took another step towards Taehyun.

"Hoo."

Taehyun quietly composed his breathing.

It was too much to use Divine State with a body that wasn't in normal condition.

So.

The most powerful martial art Taehyun could use in his current state was Penetration State.

Taehyun's body bounced off, aiming for the guy's skull.

But.

Kwaaaang.

"Son of a..."

Taehyun's fist was caught in the guy's hand too easily.

[Kuhuhu. Did you use up all your strength on Bloodya?]

Whoosh.

The guy who had grabbed Taehyun swung his huge fist.

Crack.

There was a sound of something breaking from his guarded arms.

SS-rank.

He couldn't afford to leave any leeway to deal with a being that Taehyun was in his current state.

'This is going to be annoying.'

Kwaaaaa.

Taehyun belatedly released his mana.

It would be difficult to use skills.

He was thinking of reinforcing his body to break through here as quickly as possible.

The monsters flinched at the unexpected mana.

"I'll tear you apart limb by limb, especially."

Taehyun was about to gather mana in his arms and legs when he said that.

[You're pushing yourself.]

A familiar voice was heard.

At the same time.

Whooooosh.

A gust of wind that blew from somewhere swept through the monsters.

Shhh. Shhh. Shhh.

The bodies of the monsters blocking Taehyun began to tear apart.

'This is....'

Far away.

Rosaria, leading a large army, was visible.

[Giggle.]

[The Queen seems surprised.]

[Giggle. You're a mess~]

[Too late~ Giggle.]

[We came instead~]

"Rosaria... why..."

An unexpected reinforcement.

Taehyun couldn't help but ask.

[I was worried about the contractor. I, myself, came to pick you up.]

Rosaria said that and yawned as if she was bored.

Dozens of S-rank monsters had already died.

Among them, there was a monster that survived.

[Rosaria!! This is Lord Igmun's territory!! How dare you start a war...]

Rosaria lightly waved her hand as if she didn't want to hear it.

Just with that.

Shhh.

The SS-rank monster's body was cut in half as it was.

Although she had lost one arm, she was still overwhelmingly powerful.

"Are you okay? Coming all the way here."

Taehyun belatedly released his mana and asked.

A subordinate of the Archduke raiding territory and the Archduke directly invading territory were different matters.

That was also why Taehyun said he would take care of Bloodya instead.

But now.

Rosaria had come all the way to the "Blood Temple" to pick him up.

Rosaria giggled at Taehyun's question.

[Hehe. What do I have to fear anymore?]

"......"

Taehyun was speechless at the sight of her covering her mouth and giggling.

[More than that, you're in terrible condition. I felt Igmun's power for a moment, though?]

Taehyun recalled what had happened a moment ago.

If it hadn't been for the doppelganger.

He would be facing Igmun instead of Rosaria now.

"Yeah. A lot of things happened."

[Let's hear the story when we get back to the castle.]

Rosaria said that and turned her body.

Igmun's subordinates were rushing in there.

[You can rest for a while.]

Rosaria's red eyes flashed.

At the same time.

Thud.

Taehyun's body collapsed.

When he regained consciousness, he was already in Rosaria's castle.

One of Rosaria's many tentacles was wrapped around Taehyun.

[Have you woken up?]

"What is this..."

[I am putting my mana into you. You should know it is an honor.]

That was true.

Taehyun's body had returned to its original condition.

His body felt light as if he had received intensive treatment from a top-tier healer.

[I read your memories while the contractor was unconscious. Igmun played a trick on Bloodya, that seductive thing.]

It seemed like no additional explanation was needed.

"Yeah. I almost died."

[Does our contractor finally know how scary an Archduke is?]

Rosaria burst out laughing and shook her body.

"......"

He had long known how scary an Archduke was.

It's just that he didn't expect to encounter an Archduke there, even if it was just a clone.

[More than that, contractor. Do you know the changes that have happened to your body?]

Rosaria asked as she released the tentacle that had been wrapped around her body.

"Changes? Come to think of it..."

He remembered the message that had come to mind belatedly after defeating Igmun's clone.

Taehyun opened the status window.

Name: Kim Taehyun

Age: 20

Rank: S

Strength: 326 Stamina: 328 Speed: 317 Mana: 470 Charm: 230

Fatigue: 5%

Remaining mana: 470/470

[Unique Skill]

Devour (SS) - Can devour the desired target. Demonic power: 120

[General Skills]

Complete Hypnosis (S) - Hypnotizes the target by specifying them. Demonic power: 100

Blood Rage (S) - Activates physical stats. Demonic power: 100

Eye of the Superior (S) - Sees through the opponent. Demonic power: 10

Apocalypse (S) - Forms an infinite field. Demonic power: 200

Dragon's Wrath (S) - Emits mana-enhanced aura. Demonic power: 100

Beast Transformation (S) - Transforms the body. Demonic power: 200

Energy Compose (S) - Creates concrete energy made of mana. Demonic power: 60

Energy Drain (S) - Absorbs the opponent's mana. Demonic power: 60

Memorize (S) - Activates recording magic. Demonic power: 300

[Summon Skills]

Rosaria (S) - Summons Rosaria, the Queen of Succubi. Demonic power: 300

Hazard (S) - Summons Dragon Lord Hazard. Demonic power: 11000

Igmun (S) - Summons Vampire Lord Igmun. Demonic power: 550

Orgal (S) - Summons the Beast King Orgal. Demonic power: 8000

Beelzebub (S) - Summons the Demon King Beelzebub. Demonic power: 10000

Jormungandr (S) - Summons the Sea King Jormungandr. Demonic power: 9000

"This is..."

The demonic power of 'Blood Rage' and the summon skill 'Igmun' had decreased even further.

In particular, the demonic power of 'Igmun' fluctuated greatly.

Summoning would be impossible with basic mana.

If he used the buffs of 'Blood Rage' and 'Apocalypse', it might be possible.

'That means the clone was outside the norm.'

It was no wonder that his stats had increased evenly.

[Igmun's mana is flowing even more densely now. But not as much as mine yet.]

Rosaria said with a strange smile.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to switch over to Igmun."

[Hehe. What a dependable man. More than that, there is a scary being living inside your body. Is that why you survived Igmun?]

Doppelganger.

Taehyun knew instantly that Rosaria meant him.

"Do you know anything about that guy?"

Rosaria smiled subtly at Taehyun's question.

[Oops. I almost made a mistake. I can't interfere with the arrangements left by the King.]

"......"

Rosaria wanted Taehyun to realize the duty of the key himself.

Six Archdukes and one Archduke-level being.

Different mana is seeping into his body.

The fact that the symbol representing that fact is not light, but not mentioned, is for that reason.

[Really. You're a man even I can't handle.]

"So. What's the situation?"

Taehyun closed the status window and asked.

Rosaria got involved in this, so there's no way she'd just let it go.

There must have been movement on Igmun's side as well.

And as expected.

[The territory war has begun. This ends my sweet vacation.]

"Oh. I'm sorry."

[It's obvious that it's an empty compliment. Contractor.]

"......"

[Hehe. I chose this anyway. There's no need to regret it now. Are you ready to walk the path the King walked?]

"Yeah."

Taehyun nodded.

The two consecutive battles in the 'Blood Temple'.

That made it clear.

The current Taehyun has not yet reached complete SSS rank.

And Asmodeus is also plotting something.

'I can still grow more.'

The king who fought the Archdukes of the Abyss.

He also remembered having no choice but to retreat in the beginning.

Even that great king wasn't weaker than the monsters at first.

Rosaria, reading Taehyun's thoughts, burst out laughing once again.

[Indeed, the thirst for power also reminds me of the King. Will you stay here?]

It was an attractive offer.

If he could devour a guy like Bloodya, he could increase his stats in a short period of time.

"Training in the deepest part... that would be good too."

But before that.

"I need to go to the other world for a while."

Taehyun had to worry about more than just the Archdukes' territory war.

204

The father was an A-rank player from France.

The mother was an A-rank Mind from China.

Shadow was a mixed-blood born between them.

Was it because he had dual nationalities from birth?

Or because his parents' relationship, with their different identities, ended in tragedy?

Naturally, he, abandoned from birth, entered the underworld.

Pickpocketing. Robbery. Murder, etc.

He committed all sorts of crimes, a petty criminal not even considered a low-level Mind.

The turning point in his life came when he awakened the S-rank skill, 'Apostle of Darkness.'

From a petty criminal to a low-level Mind.

From a low-level Mind to a mid-level Mind.

From a mid-level Mind to a high-level Mind.

He worked as a mercenary in numerous countries, building infamy.

It started with an S-rank low-level player.

Mid-low. Mid-level. Mid-high.

The highest-level Mind, evaluated to be on par with an S-rank high-level player.

Countless players and Minds died silently at his hands.

But the limit was clear.

His growth stopped just before the peak.

Whether a high-level Mind or a highest-level Mind.

He still had to run from national-level powers who controlled the world.

He felt a thirst.

A desire to break the wall.

To break the wall again and again.

'I want to bring change to this rotten world.'

Around that time, he met Min Ji-hong, who was wandering alone in the depths of the Abyss.

There was a fierce battle, followed by conversation.

Surprisingly, they got along well.

Perhaps it was because they were desperately trying to break the wall in the stagnant underworld.

Or perhaps it was because they knew they felt similar thirsts.

'The underworld devours the overworld.'

The two, united in spirit, secretly formed a force.

The Samhap Association, the largest Mind organization in Asia.

The Malignant Guild, the largest Mind organization in New Korea.

The organization grew day by day, and when their power began to influence even the overworld.

Following Min Ji-hong, Shadow surpassed the national-level power.

An S-rank highest-level player.

He had obtained power beyond that.

"S-rank highest-level. That's not a realm you can reach with simple enlightenment."

Shadow said with a bitter smile.

He could be sure because he had walked that path first.

Park Sung-jin, Kwon Kang-hyuk, and Kwak Si-yang, who could be called the main forces of New Korea.

He could see that those he was facing were on the verge of 'completely' breaking through the wall.

Kwaang.

Kwon Kang-hyuk's giant form, transformed into 'Minotaur Queen,' was pushed back by Shadow's kick.

In that gap, Park Sung-jin's Spiral Lightning was swung.

It seemed like it would cut the body in two with a single strike, but.

Kkaang.

Before he knew it, the scythe in Shadow's hand smoothly blocked the Spiral Lightning.

Sssssss.

Just as Shadow's body was about to disappear again.

"Now!!"

Kwaang.

An explosion erupted behind Shadow at the same time as Park Sung-jin's shout.

It didn't inflict a fatal wound, but it was powerful enough to stop his movement.

Kkaang!!

Shadow blew away Park Sung-jin with a scythe full of power.

This time, Ji Jin-hee broke through the gap.

"Hoo."

Ji Jin-hee's body shook as he gathered his breath.

First Form of Ancient Martial Arts of New Korea. Taebaek.

Ji Jin-hee's hand blade struck Shadow's shoulder.

Kwajik.

Shadow, whose center of gravity was disrupted by blocking Park Sung-jin.

His shoulder was dislocated by the heavier-than-expected attack.

If it weren't for the overwhelming stat difference, it wouldn't have been strange for his shoulder to be torn off.

Peok.

Shadow kicked Ji Jin-hee in the abdomen, creating distance.

"Amazing. I thought your teeth were all pulled out?"

Udeuk. Udeudeuk.

Shadow said, adjusting his dislocated shoulder bone.

"Don't underestimate an old man. I can subdue someone like you."

Ji Jin-hee, immediately preparing for the next attack.

Shadow let out a hollow laugh at his boast.

He knew it wasn't bluffing.

It was the confidence of someone who, with only the 'Physical Enhancement' skill, was closer to the national-level power than anyone in the past.

If he looked at him 'lightly', it would be him who bled.

"Ancient martial arts... interesting."

"It will soon become uninteresting. You son of a bitch."

Kwon Kang-hyuk, who had transformed into 'Tau King' and reduced his mana, spat out profanities and seethed.

The three representing the New Korean forces joined forces with the retired Ji Jin-hee.

And yet, they were struggling to catch a single Mind.

It was strange that he wasn't excited given his personality.

"Calm down. Guild Leader Kwon Kang-hyuk."

"Don't order me around. Just don't get in the way."

Just as Kwon Kang-hyuk, who had expanded his muscles, was about to rush in.

Shadow checked the time at the sound of a ringtone from his pocket.

"Oh my. Has it already passed like this?"

Sssssss.

His body, which had avoided Kwon Kang-hyuk's attack, appeared in the space 5 meters behind.

As if the battle so far was a joke.

Shadow instantly created distance between himself and the four people.

He answered the phone on speakerphone.

A man's voice rang out.

[It seems like the joke is getting long?]

"Hehe. I can't deny it. Did you receive the gift I sent?"

[Ah. I just made contact. It seems Ji Jin-hee is there.]

"Yes. Ancient martial arts of New Korea. I was quite troubled by the annoying techniques."

[It seems he's unnecessarily healthy. Come back now.]

"I will."

Just as Shadow, who smiled, was about to disappear.

Ji Jin-hee, who quickly closed the distance, swung his fist.

Shadow reached out to lightly grab it.

Kwaang.

Shadow's body was bounced away by the energy released from Ji Jin-hee's fist.

Second Form of Ancient Martial Arts of New Korea. SanGyeong.

It was a technique to explode the energy concentrated in the fist.

"You!! How long are you going to hide behind me and deceive me!!"

Ji Jin-hee shouted at Shadow, who was getting up.

The target was not Shadow, but Min Ji-hong on the phone.

Min Ji-hong was also aware of that fact.

[Have you been well, Father.]

"You don't deserve to call me that!!"

Ji Jin-hee shouted again.

Because he knew.

That the man on the other side of the receiver was no longer Min Ji-hong, the adopted son he knew and was raising as the future of New Korea.

[You sound healthy, so that's good. I'm glad.]

Min Ji-hong said sarcastically.

"Min Ji-hong, the Mind of the Malignant Guild!! Show your face!!"

Ji Jin-hee shouted once again, but Min Ji-hong was still relaxed.

[It's not time yet. More importantly, are you going to be okay?]

"Shut up!!"

Ji Jin-hee shouted and approached Shadow.

The other three surrounded Shadow, matching his movements.

Min Ji-hong clicked his tongue at the sight.

[Tsk tsk. Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young, whom you cherish. Are you sure you want to let her die like this?]

The area became quiet for a moment.

"What...?"

"What the hell is this again?!!"

"......"

Min Ji-hong's voice became much softer at the expected reaction.

[Anyway, you can't beat that friend. I'll send you back this time.]

"......?"

[Bring Kim Tae-hyun. Otherwise, Yoo Ah-young's life is in danger.]

"You're talking nonsense!!"

Ji Jin-hee shouted, but the call had already ended.

"That's what he says."

Kwajik.

Shadow, who broke the phone with his grip, said with a smirk.

At the same time, Ji Jin-hee's body rushed in.

The other three were the same.

But.

Sssssss.

The moment Shadow's figure disappeared for a moment.

Kwaaaang!!!

The bodies of the four were bounced away by an unknown force.

"I'll contact you from here."

That was the end.

Sssssss.

Shadow's body was sucked into the shadow on the floor.

The four belatedly got up and looked for the disappeared Shadow.

But.

"Cough..."

"Did we miss him..."

"Damn..."

"......"

The traces had disappeared cleanly.

Tae-hyun crossed the warp gate set up in the association.

The atmosphere was somehow chaotic.

Then, an association employee with a familiar face approached Tae-hyun.

"Player Kim Tae-hyun!!"

"What's wrong now?"

Tae-hyun asked with a sigh.

The first thought that came to mind was that the New Thousand Miles Eye subjugation had failed.

'The remnants shouldn't be a force that can do anything.'

Park Sung-jin, Kwon Kang-hyuk, Yoo Ah-young, Kwak Si-yang, and Lim Ah-young, who had grown with Tae-hyun.

Among them, the remaining four except Lim Ah-young had reached the vicinity of the S-rank highest level.

If you add the power of Ji Jin-hee, who declared his return to the field, they could face one national-level power.

The problem was Shadow of the Samrodo and Min Ji-hong, the head of the Malignant Guild.

But all they could do with their numerical inferiority was guerrilla warfare.

'If they were thinking of going to the front, they would have already gone to the front.'

They are being wanted as 'national-level Mind' beyond the highest-level Mind.

Just by coming to the front, there was a high possibility that the allied countries watching the situation would move.

It was clearly a bad move for them, who were trying to revive by using the remnants.

"Shadow of the Samrodo and Black Hole, the head of the Malignant Guild, have moved."

Tae-hyun had no choice but to admit that he was wrong.

'Are they planning to turn the world into an enemy?'

Even for a Great Contractee, it was crazy.

"I'll tell you as we go to the association president's office."

"Let's go."

Tae-hyun quietly followed the man.

"Association President. This is player Kim Tae-hyun."

Beolkeok.

Ji Jin-hee opened the door and came out without even hearing the answer.

"Tae-hyun!"

Warak.

Ji Jin-hee shouted, hugging Tae-hyun, who was in a shabby state.

"I'm sorry I'm late."

Tae-hyun, who said that, scanned Ji Jin-hee's body.

He was shirtless and bandaged.

Various forms of scars were engraved on his trained body.

"No. More than that..."

Ji Jin-hee's complexion darkened rapidly.

Tae-hyun took Ji Jin-hee back inside.

"I heard about it on the way. Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young has been kidnapped, right?"

Ji Jin-hee nodded as soon as he got straight to the point.

"That's right... Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young has been taken hostage."

Ji Jin-hee, who stopped talking for a moment, sighed.

"Tell me."

"Min Ji-hong, the head of the Malignant Guild... has put Tae-hyun as a condition of the deal."

"Is that so."

"I'm sorry."

Ji Jin-hee avoided his gaze as if he had no face.

He was the association president, and he had returned to the field, but he was in this state.

Moreover, it's not just Yoo Ah-young who was kidnapped.

Many players were seriously injured by Shadow's elusive skills.

Lim Ah-young was among them.

As the association president and as a player.

He had no face to see Tae-hyun because he seemed to have put a big burden on him.

But Tae-hyun's thoughts were different.

'It's my mistake.'

If I knew that Shadow and Black Hole would come out so boldly, I should have stayed with them until the end.

Even if it meant postponing the growth in the Abyss for a while.

"Wait a little bit. I'm investigating the location they sent now..."

Tae-hyun shook his head at Ji Jin-hee's words.

"No. It's simple if what they want is me. I'll go myself."

Tae-hyun was thirsty for growth due to the battles in the Abyss.

'It's also an opportunity to aim for the mana of the Great Contractee.'

Devouring Shadow's rare skills was a bonus.

The domain war of the Great Dukes who rule the Abyss.

Even though a war of that scale had occurred, the status window still had no reaction.

That meant that the war waged by the Great Dukes was also unlikely to be a 'race war'.

What Ricky Harris showed.

What No Name showed.

What Rosaria showed.

A hypothesis flashed through Tae-hyun's head.

'There isn't much time.'

I need to get stronger as soon as possible.

"Are you sure..."

Ji Jin-hee asked worriedly.

"Yes. More than that, there's something I'd like the association president to help me with."

"Tell me. I'll prepare anything."

Ji Jin-hee replied with a firm look.

If he wanted, he was thinking of spending the association's budget to make even a legendary-grade item.

But.

"I want to be taught the ancient martial arts of New Korea."

"......"

Ji Jin-hee's expression changed subtly at the unexpected request.

205

Martial arts are often created during times of chaos.

Perhaps that's why.

Many established martial arts have origins in killing.

The ancient martial arts of Shinhan, mentioned by Taehyun, were no different.

Countless traditional martial arts passed down since before the founding of Shinhan.

The ancient martial art 'Baekrang' was created by gathering only the strengths of those arts.

"You… knew I was a practitioner of ancient martial arts?"

Ji Jinhee asked with an awkward voice.

He didn't expect Taehyun to mention the martial arts he had trained in.

"It would be harder to find a player who doesn't know about the Chairman."

That was true.

Ji Jinhee was practically a living history of Shinhan players.

Back when there wasn't even proper equipment.

He single-handedly stopped various breaks and rode the momentum to advance into the Abyss.

Now, he has ushered in an unprecedented golden age.

Taehyun's help was immense in Shinhan earning the title of a great power.

But if Ji Jinhee hadn't been an S-rank high-level player and a true practitioner of 'Baekrang,' they wouldn't have made it this far.

"Hmm…"

Ji Jinhee groaned, unlike his previous vigor.

If a player like Taehyun learned Baekrang, it would be like giving wings to a tiger.

As the chairman, he would even want to recommend training in Baekrang.

But.

"Ancient martial arts aren't that easy to learn…"

Ji Jinhee sighed as he spoke.

The reason why many body-enhancing awakeners don't, or can't, learn ancient martial arts.

"To prepare for backlash, you need to train for at least 5 years before your mana is fully established. Moreover, national-level powerhouses have a lot of mana, so the risk of backlash is even greater."

"That's certainly not wrong."

Taehyun agreed with Ji Jinhee's words.

Zhang Linfeng, Cai Mingmin, Zheng Zhi.

Before they were national-level powerhouses, all three had been practitioners of the Chinese ancient martial art 'Sansha' since childhood.

That's why, even after becoming national-level powerhouses, it wasn't difficult to harmonize ancient martial arts and skills.

An understanding of martial arts is fundamental, along with physical talent and a grueling training period.

These were essential things that an awakener had to pour in to use ancient martial arts in actual combat.

It's not something you can imitate just because you've been hit by it a few times.

Suddenly, a piece of information that Yoo A-young had reported flashed through Ji Jinhee's mind.

[Kim Taehyun is estimated to have learned Chinese ancient martial arts after the Asia Player Friendship Tournament. Teacher and training methods are unknown.]

'Is there some kind of method?'

Ji Jinhee's mind raced as he maintained his relaxed attitude.

"If it's a matter of embodiment, there's no need to worry."

In that instant, Taehyun's fist reached out towards Ji Jinhee.

The first form of Chinese ancient martial arts, Bajiquan.

Although he didn't put any strength into it.

It was powerful enough to blow away an S-rank player.

Clang.

Ji Jinhee's hand, swung momentarily, deflected Taehyun's fist to the side.

It was the first form of Shinhan ancient martial arts, Taebaek.

"The first form, Taebaek. Unlike Bajiquan, it's a technique that's effective in one-on-one combat."

"……."

It wasn't just a simple imitation.

Ji Jinhee looked at his throbbing hand.

And.

Taehyun's straight hand aimed for Ji Jinhee's neck.

'……!!'

Thud.

The sound wasn't what you would expect from a hand colliding with a neck.

"The third form of Shinhan ancient martial arts, Geumgang. It's certainly solid."

Taehyun massaged his hand as he spoke.

Although he had held back his strength, it was enough to make an S-rank mid-level player sit down.

Ji Jinhee had deflected such an attack without budging.

"Taehyun's learning ability is… astonishing."

It was a clumsy movement compared to those of the successors.

But it wasn't something to be taken lightly either.

"One action is more effective than a hundred words. I would like the Chairman to be my teacher."

"……."

Looking at Ji Jinhee, who was contemplating.

Taehyun smiled brightly.

"It's not impossible…"

Ji Jinhee trailed off at Taehyun's question.

It wasn't impossible.

Rather, if Taehyun could learn ancient martial arts in a short period of time, it would greatly increase Shinhan's power.

But Ji Jinhee's past mistakes held him back.

"Taehyun, may I ask why you want to learn Baekrang, the ancient martial art of Shinhan?"

Even though he already had an idea of the reason, Ji Jinhee deliberately asked again.

"Min Jihong. It can't hurt to know the enemy's techniques."

Taehyun answered, recalling the battle in the Abyss.

The Chinese ancient martial art Sansha is not compatible with the Shinhan ancient martial art Baekrang.

If he hadn't grown since that day, Taehyun's easy victory would have been expected.

'But then he wouldn't have come forward like this.'

He was confident.

That he could win if he faced Taehyun in a one-on-one match.

So Taehyun couldn't help but prepare as well.

'Above all, Baekrang has many similarities to Sansha.'

As Taehyun was thinking that, Ji Jinhee sighed once again.

The ancient martial arts of each country are passed down closed-door due to their superior lethality.

And Ji Jinhee didn't have the 'qualifications' to teach Taehyun.

"I can't pass it on directly… but I'll contact the elders right away."

"Thank you."

"There are only 3 days left until the date demanded by Shadow. Is it possible?"

It was an impossible requirement by common sense.

But.

"One day is enough."

For Taehyun, a training period.

It wasn't a problem.

That day.

At the request of the chairman of the Shinhan Player Association, dozens of outsiders visited the Onsemiro Guild.

Shinhan Ancient Martial Arts Baekrang.

Ten elders representing the sect and ten direct disciples.

"Damn it. Why are they causing trouble here again."

Kwon Kanghyuk grumbled as if he didn't like them lined up in the training hall.

"It can't be helped. Our guild's barrier is the strongest."

Kim Hyeyeon, the vice-guild leader, sighed at Kwon Kanghyuk's unchanging appearance.

"More than that, please cooperate, Guild Leader. Yoo Ah-young's life is at stake."

"Tch…"

Kwon Kanghyuk turned his head away.

It was something that happened because they couldn't capture Shadow.

All they could do now was provide a place for Taehyun's training, which was set as a condition for the deal.

"Ancient martial arts aren't child's play… how can he learn it in just one day…"

"Guild Leader!"

"Ah, I know. I know. Tell him to use it as much as he wants."

Kwon Kanghyuk grumbled as he headed for the exit.

Taehyun, who had been watching him from afar, smiled.

It was a place that had been prepared in less than two hours after meeting Ji Jinhee.

The more time saved, the better.

"Well then. Shall we get started?"

At Taehyun's words, the representative of the ten elders stepped forward.

"Player Kim Taehyun. I knew it from when we were called here… but you still have an arrogant attitude."

"I thought the conversation with the Chairman was already over."

Taehyun said, stretching without paying attention.

The other elders followed, shouting at his appearance.

"Such an impudent attitude towards the Elder Chief!!"

"Are you relying on Ji Jinhee to be so bold?!!"

"We would never leak secret techniques to someone who hasn't gone through the proper procedures!!"

"The spirit of ancient martial arts is not something that those who rely only on skills and mana can understand!!"

"Boy!! There's a limit to the audacity of youth!!"

The expressions were all different, but what they wanted to say was obvious.

They could not pass on the ancient martial arts to Taehyun, who was not a formal successor.

So bow your head properly and show respect.

If they had their way, they would immediately use 'skills' to pressure him.

But doing so would be a nuisance to Ji Jinhee, who had worked hard to arrange the meeting.

Taehyun quietly opened his mouth.

"I am deeply moved by your patheticness."

"W-What did you say?!!"

"Hey, Player Kim Taehyun!!"

"Just because you're a national-level powerhouse doesn't mean you can't see anything in your eyes!!"

This time, not only the elders, but also the ten disciples who had been quietly listening, all burst into anger together.

"It's noisy."

Whoa!

Taehyun released his mana.

Tremble.

The training hall was instantly filled with mana.

Taehyun is known to the public as a heroic image.

Perhaps that's why.

The twenty successors hardened their faces at the unexpected behavior.

Thanks to the closed-door transmission method, even the elders were only A-rank players.

Moreover, the direct disciples had not even obtained a player license because they were focused on training.

It was no match to face an enraged national-level powerhouse.

Step.

Taehyun took a step towards them.

"I'll give you a choice."

"W-What…!!"

One of the elders instinctively asked.

Taehyun smiled brightly at him.

"Whether you'll be beaten and forced to kneel for insisting on your꼰대 spirit."

"Hey!!"

"That's too harsh!!"

Taehyun continued without paying attention.

"Or whether you'll maintain at least some pride against me wearing restraints."

"……!!"

Step.

One more step.

Taehyun approached them.

When the distance was five steps away, Taehyun released his mana.

"The choice is yours. Just take responsibility."

Smirk.

The atmosphere was silent at the sight of him smiling wickedly.

"Damn… it's still fierce."

Kwon Kanghyuk, who was watching this from the exit, spat out profanities.

The fierce confrontation did not last long.

That's because the Elder Chief took Taehyun's bait.

"Did you say restraints?"

"That's right."

"Does that mean you want to be tested with not only your mana but also your physical stats restricted?"

"Of course."

As Taehyun gave in, the other elders fueled the atmosphere.

"Huh… now that I see it, he wasn't a completely reckless guy."

"Y-Yes, that's right. Surely a national-level powerhouse hero wouldn't threaten us."

"Of course. Yes, of course. Ha, hahaha."

They took the bait that Taehyun had spread in order to protect their last pride.

"Well then, let's set the specific figures. I heard from Chairman Ji Jinhee that there isn't much time?"

"Yes. I have another mission scheduled, so I would like to take the test as soon as possible."

Smirk.

The corners of the Elder Chief's mouth went up.

"Then it will be simple. Give us a moment. It won't take long."

Nine elders gathered around the Elder Chief and exchanged words among themselves.

As he said, it didn't take long.

"Have you decided?"

Taehyun asked the Elder Chief.

The Elder Chief nodded with a grin.

"Yes. We will have you endure ten attacks from our direct disciples with your physical stats restricted to 30. If you use mana or increase your physical stats, you will be considered disqualified."

"……."

Looking at Taehyun as if he was lost in thought for a moment, the Elder Chief's expression became triumphant.

"That is the condition we are offering. Is it difficult?"

Although the direct disciples had not yet obtained a player license.

They were able to exert 50 physical stats with ancient martial arts alone.

No matter how much of a national-level powerhouse he was, it was obvious that he would not be able to endure ten attacks with his skills, mana, and physical stats restricted.

'Hehe. It will be difficult to withstand even one attack with 30 physical stats.'

It was when the Elder Chief was enjoying his victory.

"Didn't I say that there wasn't much time?"

"Um? As I said, changing conditions is…."

"Let's have all ten direct disciples and ten elders attack me all at once."

"……."

"Are you scared?"

At Taehyun's provocation.

The elders' faces began to turn red.

Episode 206

"How dare you...!!"

The elders were outraged by Taehyun's provocation.

It wasn't just the elders who were upset.

"How can you spout such nonsense!!"

Ten disciples emitted killing intent and approached Taehyun.

Even though Taehyun was the best player in Shinhan, their master had been insulted.

In their position, where they valued the master-disciple relationship, they couldn't stand idly by.

Anticipating this, Taehyun smirked.

"I see what the Baeklang's master-disciple relationship is like."

One of the disciples couldn't hold back and lunged forward.

Taehyun lightly stepped back.

Shinhan Ancient Martial Arts First Form, Taebaek.

Whoosh.

With an eerie sound, a hand blade aimed for his neck.

"Can I assume that this attack means you're accepting the proposal?"

"Unbelievable. Is the main branch being swayed by a mere twenty-year-old brat?"

The head elder clicked his tongue.

"Sometimes, the young ones are more aggressive."

Taehyun replied as if it were someone else's problem.

"Alright. Player Kim Taehyun. I accept your proposal."

"Head Elder!!"

"Elder Choi!! What are you..."

"But! I'll be modifying the conditions on our side."

The sudden change in the head elder's attitude made the others' eyes waver.

"Speak."

"Chairman Ji Jinhee said that the training period would only take a day. Is that correct?"

"That's right."

"The main branch wants to be recognized for its efforts in dedicating itself to Shinhan... Chairman Ji Jinhee cherishes you dearly, doesn't he?"

"You don't have to beat around the bush, do you?"

The head elder's lips curled up at Taehyun's continued audacity.

"Grant the elders S-rank licenses. And I'd like you to issue A-rank licenses to the ten first-generation disciples."

"......"

The other elders and first-generation disciples fell silent at the head elder's sudden proposal.

Granting S-rank and A-rank licenses in exchange for only a day of training?

It was an absurd request, and the head elder knew it, which was why he made the condition.

"What do you think? Isn't it a win-win situation?"

'This is too obvious.'

Contrary to the head elder's expectations, the proposal wasn't difficult.

Ji Jinhee was strict about license promotions.

But Yoo Ah-young's life was on the line, and so was strengthening Taehyun and Shinhan's power.

He wouldn't think it was a bad deal.

However.

Taehyun quietly sighed.

'This is why things turned out that way.'

Shinhan Ancient Martial Arts Baeklang.

The martial art itself was excellent, but it was an unfortunate martial art that fell into ruin due to poor management.

And at the starting point, there were corrupt elders.

In Taehyun's past life, they actually sold the First Form, Taebaek, for a hefty sum.

Taehyun clicked his tongue and shook his head.

"Hmm? Are you perhaps refusing?"

"No. It's such a sweet offer that I can't help but hesitate."

"Hehe. I suppose so."

"However."

"Hmm?"

"The elders may be satisfied, but wouldn't this be disrespectful to the disciples?"

"Hmph."

At Taehyun's gesture, the head elder turned around.

There, the first-generation disciples had dissatisfied expressions.

They had only been training for decades to become the formal successors of Baeklang.

But now, a national power-level figure appeared and proposed a deal with licenses.

It felt as if their time was being insulted with money.

"And what I want isn't teaching, but sparring."

"......"

"Huh. How arrogant. Do you really think you can exchange blows with all of us while your stats are limited?"

"I'm not one to make empty promises...."

"You have quite the insolent personality, as I've heard."

With those words, Taehyun walked toward the head elder.

It was time to drive in the wedge with a sure bait.

"I accept all of the head elder's proposals. But I'll be adding a condition."

Soon after, Taehyun extended his hand.

The head elder scoffed and grasped it.

Twenty-one men were preparing for sparring in Onsaemi-ro's sparring hall.

The atmosphere was quite bright, in contrast to the earlier tension.

It was due to the condition Taehyun had added.

'There's nothing scarier than the recklessness of youth.'

The head elder examined the 'Oath of Awakened Ones' that Taehyun had made a little while ago.

[1. Awakened One Choi Wonro (甲) and 19 others will impart Shinhan Ancient Martial Arts Baeklang to Awakened One Kim Taehyun (乙) for 24 hours.

The teaching method will primarily be sparring, and victory will be determined by knockout.

Awakened One Kim Taehyun (乙)'s Strength, Stamina, Speed, and Mana stats must be maintained below 30, and a penalty will be paid if this is violated.

If Awakened One Choi Wonro (甲) and 19 others win, Awakened One Kim Taehyun (乙) will fulfill two conditions.

First. He will be responsible for issuing S-rank Player licenses to the 10 elders and A-rank licenses to the 10 first-generation disciples.

Second. When active as a player, he will reveal his origin as a third-generation disciple of Shinhan Ancient Martial Arts Baeklang, and 90% of his profits will be donated to the sect.

If Awakened One Choi Wonro (甲) and 19 others lose, they will receive condolence money worth 2 million won from Awakened One Kim Taehyun (乙).

Those who violate this will be prepared for permanent penalties.]

It was a contract with truly satisfying content.

In particular, he liked the fact that if Taehyun lost, he would become a third-generation disciple, a low-ranking member of the sect, and the sect would take 90% of his player earnings.

The annual income of a national power-level figure alone would be worth tens of billions.

90% of that.

Smiles didn't leave the elders' faces.

'The stubborn Chairman Ji Jinhee has given us a gift we never expected.'

They were already confident of victory and turning their happy circuits.

"Are you all ready?"

Taehyun asked, finishing his stretching.

"A martial artist must always be ready. Take it to heart, as it's the first teaching of this school."

"Good words."

With those words, Taehyun drew his mana to the limit.

At the same time.

Ting.

[Skill usage detected. You have been affected by Warrior's Spirit (A).]

One of the elders' skills hit Taehyun.

"Oh? All stats at 150. The power of a national power-level figure is indeed different."

The elder who checked Taehyun's stats said with surprise.

At those words.

A smirk.

Taehyun's lips curled up.

He had confirmed that even though Taehyun had lowered his physical abilities to the limit, they couldn't read all of his stats.

Following that, another elder's skill hit.

[Skill usage detected. You have been affected by Warrior's Eye (A).]

"From now on, I'll be checking Player Kim Taehyun's physical stats until they drop to 30."

Clank. Clank. Clank.

The restraints that Onsaemi-ro had prepared beforehand were fastened to Taehyun's arms and legs.

Taehyun was already controlling his mana.

He could feel the power of his whole body being blocked by the mana generated from the restraints.

They would be shattered in an instant if he released his mana.

'But I won't be able to train that way.'

Cha Mingmin, Zhang Linfeng, and Zheng Zhi.

To face those who were national power-level figures at the time, Taehyun had to maximize his combat power.

But the Baeklang trainees now were not even S-rank lower players.

Although they had trained in ancient martial arts.

The elders were, at best, A-rank top players.

If he showed his true strength, the sect could be destroyed, let alone learning anything.

The elder who confirmed that Taehyun's Strength, Stamina, Speed, and Mana stats had dropped to 30 nodded with satisfaction.

"Good. Let's begin."

With those words, Taehyun charged toward one of the first-generation disciples in front of him.

Whoosh.

The first-generation disciple could be seen smirking at the swung fist.

Although he didn't have a player license, his physical abilities had reached 50 due to Baeklang training.

Taehyun's fist, swung with a speed of 30, looked as slow as a dragonfly flying.

Nevertheless, the man showed the spirit to take Taehyun's fist head-on.

Thud.

'Oh.'

Taehyun shook his numb fist and stepped back.

Shinhan Ancient Martial Arts Third Form, Geumgang.

It was named that way because it was said to make the body strengthened with mana as hard as diamond.

'It seems to be a different principle from Stone Skin.'

While Taehyun was thinking about that, the man's hand struck Taehyun's guard.

Bang.

Taehyun's body was thrown back by the energy released from the man's fist.

Shinhan Ancient Martial Arts Second Form, Sangeong.

It was a technique that detonated the energy compressed in the fist.

It was also a technique that Taehyun in his previous life hadn't mastered.

'Good?'

The advantage of ancient martial arts was that they could unleash the power of skills without mana.

A skill without mana was this powerful.

If a player like Taehyun could mix mana and skills into this technique?

Taehyun's individual combat skills could grow even further.

"Hey, Kim Taehyun. Is that all you've got?"

The man spoke mockingly at Taehyun, who had been thrown back by Sangeong.

"Not at all."

Taehyun got up and dusted off his clothes.

"You arrogant bastard. Still bluffing until the end!"

While Taehyun was trying to recall the principles of 'Geumgang' and 'Sangeong'.

The man, stepping with a martial artist's unique footwork, once again plunged into Taehyun's arms.

'Is this how it's done?'

Taehyun imitated Geumgang, strengthening his body, and extended his fist in time.

Bang.

"......!!"

The body of the man who had been rushing in was violently thrown back.

"That, that's...!!"

The watching elders began to stir.

The attack that Taehyun had used as a counter a little while ago.

That was clearly the ancient Chinese martial art, Sansha.

It was certainly the first form of Bajiquan, which was the basis of it.

"Besides, the defense technique from a little while ago was definitely... Geumgang...."

"What's going on..."

"How can a Shinhan know Sansha..."

While the flustered elders were stirring.

Taehyun, the person involved, clenched and unclenched his fist as if dissatisfied.

"It's more complicated than the Chinese one."

He tried to imitate Sangeong, but Bajiquan came out without him realizing it.

Taehyun used a skill as if he was going to observe properly this time.

Ting.

[Skill Superior Species' Eyes (S) has been activated.]

"No time. Next person, come in."

Ji Jinhee visited the Onsaemi-ro Guild.

It was the visit of the Player Association Chairman.

It was only natural for Guild Master Kwon Kanghyuk and Vice Guild Master Kim Hyeyeon to come out to greet him.

Kwon Kanghyuk, facing Ji Jinhee, grumbled as if annoyed.

"Why would a man in bad health come all the way here to bother us?"

"Guild Master!!"

Kim Hyeyeon shouted softly, looking at the still rude Kwon Kanghyuk.

"I'm sorry, Chairman. The Guild Master's personality is just... unruly."

"Haha. I'm fine. This isn't the first time something like this has happened."

"Hmph. The old man only knows how to talk big."

Kim Hyeyeon glared at Kwon Kanghyuk once again.

Kwon Kanghyuk grumbled and stepped aside, and Kim Hyeyeon guided Ji Jinhee to the guild master's office.

"So. Is Taehyun making progress in his training?"

"It's been over 5 hours since he started training in the sparring hall. I heard that..."

Kim Hyeyeon told him about the Oath of Awakened Ones that Taehyun and Elder Choi had made.

"Hmm... Taehyun is at it again..."

"Ah. Don't worry about it. That sly fox must have had a reason for doing that."

Kwon Kanghyuk already knew what kind of person Taehyun was.

He reacted by saying that it was an unnecessary worry.

But Ji Jinhee's thoughts were different.

He knew the dangers of the martial arts he had trained in well.

"Can I see the sparring hall for a moment?"

Ji Jinhee asked Kim Hyeyeon.

"Yes. Please sit here."

Kim Hyeyeon, who had already arrived at the guild master's office, opened the installed large screen.

The screen showed the scene of the sparring hall.

At the same time.

Bang!!

One person flew into the air from Taehyun's fist.

It was a first-generation disciple of the Baeklang sect.

'He's already mastered Sangeong...?!'

Ji Jinhee was surprised for a moment.

Another disciple rushed at Taehyun.

Taebaek followed by Sangeong.

Taehyun took both attacks without dodging.

It was clearly Geumgang, not a skill.

And.

With a much cleaner movement, Taehyun's hand blade struck his shoulder.

Crack.

The man's shoulder was dislocated as it was.

"Huh..."

Ji Jinhee let out a hollow laugh.

It was a technique that he himself had mastered after 10 years of training.

Taehyun was imitating such techniques in just a few hours.

Even against the first-generation disciples who had been training in Baeklang for decades.

"Damn... he's a real monster."

Kwon Kanghyuk spat out curses from the side.

Looking at Taehyun's eyes, which had turned red.

Ji Jinhee quietly nodded his head.

Episode 207

Ji Jin-hee requested 24 hours from the elders of the Baeklang Clan.

Time passed quickly with sparring, barely enough to learn even one martial art.

Was it because he secured an 'Awakened's Oath' that couldn't be refused?

The elders and first-generation disciples of the Baeklang Clan sparred relentlessly.

Their goal was to subdue Tae-hyun, whose physical abilities were restricted by shackles.

Thanks to this, the sound of things breaking never stopped at the Onsaemi-ro Guild's training grounds, renowned as the toughest in South Korea.

Ancient martial arts practitioners, through consistent physical training, wield power comparable to low-level players even without skills.

That's especially true for the elders, considered the pinnacle of ancient martial arts, and their direct line of first-generation disciples.

The elders, if they unleashed their full power, could reach the level of mid-to-high-tier A-rank players.

The first-generation disciples could easily reach the level of B-rank players.

Currently, twenty such martial artists were throwing away their pride and attacking Tae-hyun all at once, with twenty-one hours of sparring elapsed.

But the result was far different from what they expected.

Thwack. Crack. Snap.

Three first-generation disciples who rushed in simultaneously were bounced back by the San-gyeong that Tae-hyun was using.

"Damn. He's flying around even with stats at 30."

Kwon Kang-hyuk muttered while watching Tae-hyun's training on the screen.

Recently, he installed a state-of-the-art measurement system in the training grounds for efficient training.

Strength, stamina, speed, magic power.

It was a machine that comprehensively judged the four physical stats that determine an Awakened's strength.

And right now.

A number, 29, was floating above Tae-hyun's head.

The others were the same.

The elders, exerting their full power, had numbers between 80 and 90 above their heads.

The first-generation disciples had numbers between 50 and 60.

"It's certainly unbelievable."

Ji Jin-hee's eyes sparkled as he observed Tae-hyun's movements.

Logically, an Awakened with a physical stat of 30 can't beat an Awakened with a physical stat of 40.

But Tae-hyun was easily dodging attacks from first-generation disciples, who had twice his stats, and even from elders, who had more than three times his stats.

Not only dodging, but also landing counters at the right timing.

He was mixing Sansha, a Chinese ancient martial art he learned from who-knows-who, and Baeklang, a South Korean ancient martial art he never properly learned.

Moreover, his proficiency in Baeklang was becoming sharper and sharper over time.

Internalizing an opponent's technique during battle.

A dream-like state for all martial artists was actually happening.

'Could it be because of those eyes?'

Ji Jin-hee thought, looking at Tae-hyun's crimson eyes.

The crimson eyes, which had awakened right after the start of training, had remained active for over twenty hours.

The crimson eyes supported his lacking mobility, allowing him to evade most attacks.

His lacking attack power was compensated for by Chinese ancient martial arts, and he was learning Baeklang in his spare time.

"This might really... be possible in just one day."

Ji Jin-hee muttered, watching another first-generation disciple being knocked down by Tae-hyun's attack.

Whoosh.

A first-generation disciple's hand blade cut through the air.

Tae-hyun, who had been waiting, opened his palm and placed it on the first-generation disciple's chest.

South Korean Ancient Martial Art, Form 4. Pal-Gwae.

Crack. Crack.

The magic power swirling from Tae-hyun's hand turned the opponent's internal organs to mush.

It was just a counterattack, a mere attack with only 30 magic power.

Despite having a body strong enough to withstand this attack several times over.

"Cough..."

The man simply knelt down.

His body had already reached its limit from the dozens of attacks he had allowed Tae-hyun to land.

He was the ninth first-generation disciple that Tae-hyun had defeated.

"Good work."

Tae-hyun lifted the fallen man up and brought his fist to his abdomen.

South Korean Ancient Martial Art, Form 2. San-gyeong.

Wham.

The first-generation disciple's defenseless body flew into the corner of the training ground.

'It's better to use magic power than qi.'

Tae-hyun thought, understanding the principles of Baeklang, and dodged the next attack.

The elder's proposal to limit physical stats to 30.

The reason Tae-hyun was able to accept that unreasonable proposal was because of the 'Eye of a Superior Species.'

It only cost 10 demonic magic power and wasn't difficult to maintain.

It was a skill that could even capture the movements of SS-rank monsters.

It was only natural that the movements of the first-generation disciples and elders would look like slow motion.

Thanks to this, it wasn't difficult to read their attacks in advance and dodge them.

His lacking physical stats could be compensated for by his skilled Chinese ancient martial arts and experience.

From then on, it was as Tae-hyun expected.

The first-generation disciples, having lost their composure, were desperate to land an attack.

The elders, after several failed attacks, began to observe Tae-hyun's movements, using the first-generation disciples as a front.

'That won't be enough.'

Tae-hyun smirked and dodged the tenth first-generation disciple's attack.

And.

Wham.

This time, he struck the opponent's jaw with 침투경.

With the sound of something breaking, the last first-generation disciple passed out.

"..."

Ten men, including the clan elder, watched the scene with hardened expressions.

"Baeklang is inferior to Sansha. Surely the elders don't intend to prove that themselves, do they?"

"You!!"

"How dare you utter such nonsense with that loose mouth of yours!!"

Some of the elders bared their teeth at the provocation.

Tae-hyun, checking his stamina, approached them.

Ten elders formed a formation around Tae-hyun.

"Loose mouth... that's what I want to say?"

For the past twenty-one hours.

He had practiced the basics of Baeklang sufficiently through the first-generation disciples.

Only three hours remained until the promised time.

From now on, it was time to temper himself against the elders.

"Come at me."

Twitch.

Too relaxed.

He didn't look like a player with limited physical stats at all.

'What kind of monster is this...'

The clan elder belatedly lamented his mistake.

But the Awakened's Oath was already irreversible.

"If you're scared, then die."

Baring his teeth, Tae-hyun lunged at the frozen elders.

The promised 24 hours had passed.

Three people entered the Onsaemi-ro Guild's training grounds.

Ji Jin-hee, Kwon Kang-hyuk, and Vice Guild Leader Kim Hye-yeon.

"He really trashed the place."

Kwon Kang-hyuk clicked his tongue.

Fortunately, the training grounds, which had been refurbished with a large sum of money, were mostly fine.

The problem was the people.

The elders and first-generation disciples of the Baeklang Clan were lying around, groaning.

"Have you arrived?"

Tae-hyun asked them nonchalantly.

The healers Kim Hye-yeon had called were belatedly entering the training grounds.

His clothes were tattered, but he was in relatively good condition for someone who had been fighting for 24 hours.

This wasn't because of his recovery ability, but because the elders' and first-generation disciples' attacks hadn't properly reached Tae-hyun.

Even the tattered clothes were largely due to the deliberate impact he had taken for the training of Form 3, Geumgang.

"Hoo... you always surprise me."

Ji Jin-hee couldn't hide his surprise at Tae-hyun's achievements.

"I'm sorry about this every time."

Tae-hyun smiled awkwardly and bowed his head.

He was thinking about Ji Jin-hee's position, having to clean up the mess later.

"I'm fine. Were you satisfied with the training?"

"Yes. It was a decent teaching."

Tae-hyun glanced at the elders being carried out and said.

"Hmm... if you've trained, then you should take a test once."

With those words, Ji Jin-hee began to take off the suit jacket he was wearing.

He even loosened his tie and stood in front of Tae-hyun.

"Are you sure you're alright?"

Tae-hyun asked, concerned about Ji Jin-hee's body.

He knew that his injuries from the battle with the Shadow hadn't fully healed yet.

"I'm fine. More importantly, are you alright, Tae-hyun?"

Ji Jin-hee asked, looking at the shackles on Tae-hyun's arms and legs.

"There's no need to be considerate of me."

"I won't refuse."

Tae-hyun channeled his magic power.

The name 'shackles' was meaningless.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The magic stones attached to his arms and legs shattered and rolled across the floor.

"Come at me."

Ji Jin-hee smiled contentedly and gestured.

'I should control my magic power to around 100.'

Even though Ji Jin-hee was an S-rank high-level player, if he used his full magic power, there was a high chance he would suffer a major injury.

Tae-hyun mimicked the elders' footwork and rushed at Ji Jin-hee.

'For now, lightly.'

South Korean Ancient Martial Art, Form 1. Tae-baek.

Snap.

Ji Jin-hee blocked Tae-hyun's horizontally swung hand blade with the same stance.

'Hoo.'

Ji Jin-hee marveled slightly at the tingling pain.

It was such a clean movement that it was hard to believe he had only trained it for a day.

Next, Tae-hyun's fist aimed for his abdomen.

South Korean Ancient Martial Art, Form 2. San-gyeong.

Ji Jin-hee slightly deflected the attack.

Boom.

The magic power contained in the fist struck the space belatedly.

Form 4, Pal-Gwae, followed immediately.

Clang.

Ji Jin-hee's hand and Tae-hyun's hand collided in mid-air.

Crack. Crack.

The qi gathered in Ji Jin-hee's hand and the magic power gathered in Tae-hyun's hand seemed to intertwine and then cancel each other out.

'He can already infuse magic power instead of qi. Amazing application...'

Next, Tae-hyun's leg aimed for his neck in a whipping motion.

South Korean Ancient Martial Art, Form 5. Goryeo.

Originally, it was a technique that aimed for the body's vital points and blood vessels with a fist, but it could also be used with the leg depending on the application.

'To already do this kind of movement...!'

Marveled once again, Ji Jin-hee rotated his body in the opposite direction.

Swooosh.

The two's feet collided in mid-air.

Then, Tae-hyun's body rotated once in the air.

South Korean Ancient Martial Art, Form 6. Sip-jin.

Tae-hyun's leg came down as if it would crush Ji Jin-hee's head.

Wham!!

"Cough."

Ji Jin-hee groaned slightly at the unexpected power.

It was an excessive exchange for checking the results of training.

"Amazing."

Tae-hyun, watching Ji Jin-hee shaking his arm as if it was numb, admired him sincerely.

He had put more power into it than he had used on the elders.

Despite that, Ji Jin-hee had cleanly blocked or deflected the five attacks without taking any damage.

This was possible because Ji Jin-hee's understanding of Baeklang far surpassed that of the elders.

"Hehe. Does Tae-hyun also see me as washed up?"

"Of course not."

"All the elders showed was up to Form 6, it seems."

"……?"

Ji Jin-hee continued, seeing Tae-hyun's puzzled expression.

"The basic forms of ancient martial arts are up to Form 6. However."

Ji Jin-hee took a natural stance and released his magic power.

The trained body of a martial artist.

Crack. Crack.

It was further strengthened.

He had used the S-rank skill 'Body Enhancement', which pushed proficiency to the limit.

"Tae-hyun, you should be able to understand just by seeing it once."

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Ji Jin-hee's body, enhanced to the limit, trembled slightly.

"……."

"Form 7. Pyeongwon. My gift to Tae-hyun."

Tae-hyun instinctively used Form 3, Geumgang.

'No. It's not enough.'

He layered magic power anew on top of Geumgang's might, sensing an ominous energy.

He used national-level magic power to enhance both the outside and inside of his body.

Ji Jin-hee walked towards Tae-hyun, who had finished his defenses.

"Are you ready?"

Tae-hyun replaced his answer with a nod.

Ji Jin-hee's fist, which he had already firmly gripped, and his straightened palm were touching Tae-hyun's abdomen.

"……!!"

And.

Fwoooosh.

"Cough...!!"

Tae-hyun's body slid backwards.

The principle of Gyeong in the fist and the principle of Pal-Gwae in the palm.

The two techniques overlapped, and Tae-hyun's magic power began to flow in reverse.

'Qi and magic power. Is he shaking both energies?'

Tae-hyun hurriedly controlled his magic power and calmed his insides.

Ji Jin-hee quietly watched the scene.

He knew how strong Tae-hyun's defense was, so he had deliberately strengthened his body to the limit.

Pyeongwon was a technique that could be called his signature move.

Yet Tae-hyun was controlling the reverse flow without any wavering.

Surely this technique was also captured in its entirety by those red eyes.

"Hoo... it's not easy to use this after so long."

Tae-hyun, who had calmed the reverse flow after a while, approached Ji Jin-hee.

"How is it? Did you capture it clearly in those eyes?"

Ji Jin-hee asked, looking at Tae-hyun's eyes, which had returned to their original color.

"Thank you for the gift, Association President."

Tae-hyun wiped the blood flowing from his mouth and smiled contentedly.

Smirk.

Ji Jin-hee also smiled with satisfaction at the legacy he had left behind.

"Then, I'll tell you about the location designated by the Shadow. Let's go together."

Ji Jin-hee gestured towards Kwon Kang-hyuk, who had been watching from the side.

"……."

What if he had taken that technique?

He wouldn't have been able to avoid serious injuries, making the name of the best tank in South Korea meaningless.

"That damn geezer... he's still going strong."

Kwon Kang-hyuk grumbled and followed the two.

Episode 208

Labyrinth Tartarus, located in the depths of the Abyss.

In that place, teeming with S-rank monsters, something unbelievable was happening.

Humans were using the labyrinth, which could be considered the activity radius of monster packs.

At the center of this absurd phenomenon were three Majin:

Min Ji-hong, the leader of the malicious guild.

Shadow, the last of the Samhaphoe's three elders.

And,

Kasim Zort, the leader of Harsultan.

Labyrinth Tartarus was one of the hideouts that the three Majin, surpassing national-level players, had built in the Abyss through their alliance.

Deep inside the labyrinth.

In a place surrounded by a massive wall, two Majin were talking.

Min Ji-hong and Shadow.

"What did you do with the cult leader?"

Min Ji-hong asked, quenching his thirst with a bottle of alcohol.

"Threw him in Guangzhou."

Shadow, who was also holding a bottle, replied.

"Guangzhou, huh? Quite a coincidental location."

It was once the location of an uncaptured dungeon.

The miasma and gray plague spewed out when the dungeon broke.

Because of that, ordinary people were still prohibited from entering.

"There's no place as good as that to hide right now."

"Yeah, surviving is the priority for now."

Min Ji-hong chuckled, recalling Min Dae-hee begging for his life.

He had spared him for the time being because he could be useful.

'I should get rid of him after the next plan is over.'

A weakling like him was no longer needed in the future he envisioned.

"By the way, it's unexpected. Those Shinhan guys. I thought they'd come running."

Ji Jin-hee was the type to do anything for his comrades.

Kim Tae-hyun was also very proud of his power.

He had expected Kim Tae-hyun, who had returned to Earth, to come here right away.

However, the Shinhan side was filling the 3-day grace period they had initially offered.

"I heard Kim Tae-hyun invaded Archduke Igmun's territory. He must need a break."

Min Ji-hong said, recalling what Orgal's subordinate had reported that morning.

"Wasn't the Archduke he contracted with Rosaria?"

"Yeah. They say she's considered the weakest of the Archdukes, though she's not comparable to us humans."

Min Ji-hong tilted his bottle, recalling Orgal's words.

The seven Archdukes who rule the Abyss:

Igmun, Orgal, Beelzebub, Jormungandr, Rosaria, Hazar, Lucifer.

They had already confirmed through the previous battle that Kim Tae-hyun was Rosaria's contractor and Cody Cruz was Lucifer's contractor.

'Only two contractors left.'

The corners of his mouth went up involuntarily at the thought of what was to come.

"You look happy."

"Ah. I want to test this power as soon as possible."

Min Ji-hong raised his arm, which could no longer be called human.

The arms and legs were regenerated with Orgal's power.

At first glance, they looked like human forms, but in reality, they were the body of an SS-rank monster.

Despite his best efforts to control it, the brown magic emanating from both arms wouldn't stop.

'Is it trying to devour this body?'

He chuckled involuntarily.

He thought he had transcended humanity by contracting with the Archduke.

But now, he was becoming such a monstrous being that he scoffed at his past self.

'Orgal, I'll accept all of your power.'

While Min Ji-hong was thinking that and calculating the next plan,

"That bitch is reaching her limit."

Shadow said, looking at Yoo Ah-young, whose arms and legs were tied to one wall.

She looked haggard, unfitting of the name of Night Walker's Guild Leader.

This was because one of her arms had been torn off to prevent resistance, and then the rest of her limbs had been broken.

"Wait a little longer. She's worthless as a hostage if she's dead, isn't she?"

Min Ji-hong approached Yoo Ah-young and lifted her chin.

Her pale eyes were trembling from considerable blood loss.

"Isn't that right? Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young."

"......"

Yoo Ah-young, who had no strength left to respond, lowered her head.

Her entire body was broken, and she had not received proper treatment.

She was enduring with her body, which had been trained to the limit, but

At this rate, she wouldn't last two days.

'Kim Tae-hyun...'

She thought of Tae-hyun in her blurry consciousness.

It had been two days since she had been captured here.

They tied Ah-young up and carelessly spouted information that could be considered confidential.

For example, that she was being held in the Labyrinth Tartarus, located in the deepest part of the Abyss, and that Tae-hyun was a contractor of an Archduke named Rosaria.

They were nonchalantly mentioning things that even Night Walkers, who operated on a global scale, couldn't figure out.

Now, some of the pieces were falling into place, and she seemed to know where Tae-hyun's strength came from.

But not this time.

'It's dangerous...'

It seemed difficult for Tae-hyun to guarantee his life either.

That was because there were two Archduke contractors in Tartarus.

'Kim Tae-hyun, never... Don't come...'

As Ah-young was thinking that,

Whoosh.

A gate opened next to her.

"Oh, we have an uninvited guest."

Min Ji-hong said that and lightly struck Ah-young's abdomen.

Crack.

Without uttering a single groan.

Ah-young, defenseless, fainted on the spot.

What appeared was a 3-meter giant.

A skeleton with white bones and brown magic.

However, the unusual energy emanating from the white bones suggested that it was no ordinary monster.

"Oh, is that your guest?"

Shadow asked, trying to gauge the opponent's strength.

It was an SS-rank monster that surpassed the S-rank monster Lich and the S+ rank monster Grand Lich.

It was definitely the High Lich that Min Ji-hong had told him was Orgal's subordinate.

"Well, I didn't invite this one?"

Min Ji-hong said, looking at the High Lich, who had completely crossed the gate.

"Orgal-nim is looking for you. Human."

The High Lich uttered Korean in an eerie voice.

"Orgal-nim... I'm sure he ordered me to capture Kim Tae-hyun?"

Min Ji-hong retorted nonchalantly.

He had prepared the stage to capture Kim Tae-hyun under Orgal's orders.

But now he was looking for him?

"Orgal-nim. is. looking. for. you."

The High Lich stopped talking and said it again.

It was an attitude that wouldn't allow questions.

"Listen, I came here to capture Kim Tae-hyun under his orders. Shouldn't I know the reason?"

"Orgal-nim's orders are absolute."

"......"

Min Ji-hong frowned at the oppressive attitude.

He knew that to higher beings, humans were just insignificant beings, bugs, meat, and so on.

Even if he was a Majin who had turned the world into an enemy and a contractor of the Archduke.

To the High Lich in front of him, Min Ji-hong was just a slightly useful human.

Nothing more, nothing less.

"Tch. You're really annoying."

"That attitude just now. Are you refusing Orgal-nim's orders?"

Min Ji-hong sighed softly.

Shadow, who was watching from the side, realized that Min Ji-hong was very angry.

It was instantaneous.

Whoosh.

The moment the black and brown magic mixed together was released from Min Ji-hong's body.

[You dare rebel against Orgal-nim...]

It was when the High Lich tried to respond by gathering his magic as well.

Five black holes were created around him.

The moment the High Lich's magic was disrupted by the suddenly generated attraction.

Crack.

Min Ji-hong's beefed-up fist hit the High Lich's skull.

Ancient Korean Martial Arts Second Form. San Kyung.

Kwaddeudeudeudeuk.

The High Lich's skull shattered to pieces from the tremendous magic.

After that.

Crack.

Min Ji-hong's swollen leg trampled on the High Lich's magic stone.

He had annihilated an SS-rank monster in one fell swoop.

"Are you okay?"

Shadow, who was watching, asked.

He had killed Orgal's messenger.

There were no eyes watching, but if he didn't take any action, his position would become difficult.

"Tch. What the hell is that bastard thinking?"

Min Ji-hong clicked his tongue, thinking of Orgal.

That guy was thinking of him as a pawn that could be discarded at any time.

He didn't like it, but.

"I have to cater to that bastard's whims for now."

"Go. Didn't you call him for times like this?"

Min Ji-hong nodded at Shadow's persuasion.

Another Archduke contractor, Kasim Zort.

And the mass-produced S-rank Majin gathered here.

Considering Kim Tae-hyun's power that he had before.

'Even without me, they have enough power to try.'

He especially had high expectations for Kasim Zort.

"Okay. I'll be back soon. Don't overdo it."

"Hehe. You underestimate me too much."

Min Ji-hong waved his hand and crossed the gate that the High Lich had opened.

Thud.

Shadow tilted his bottle and looked at the remains of the annihilated High Lich.

Before he knew it, his partner had become an existence he couldn't even dream of surpassing.

And.

A man with no less malice than Min Ji-hong, Kasim Zort.

He recalled his grotesque face as he was experimenting on monsters somewhere in the labyrinth.

"A battle between Archduke contractors... It'll be fun."

Shadow smiled bitterly and began preparing to welcome Tae-hyun.

It was more than a day later that Tae-hyun arrived at Tartarus.

"Welcome. Shadow-nim is waiting for you."

Tae-hyun tilted his head, looking at the Majin who had come to greet him.

It was a face he had never seen before, even in the Majin wanted posters.

But he could feel magic from him that was equivalent to a mid-level S-rank player.

"Were you using the labyrinth as a hideout..."

Ji Jin-hee muttered with a look as if he had been hit hard.

The coordinates that Shadow had given him.

It was right in front of the Labyrinth Tartarus in the deepest part of the Abyss.

'To think they had the power left to take control of the labyrinth in the deepest part of the Abyss. This could be...'

As if to laugh at Ji Jin-hee's thoughts, the Majin exuded killing intent.

"Shadow-nim has ordered only Kim Tae-hyun to be brought. You guys can't enter this place. Of course, you have to disarm and enter as well."

Ji Jin-hee, Park Seong-jin, Kwon Kang-hyuk, Kwak Si-yang, etc.

Many players frowned.

They had expected it, but.

They didn't like the idea of being played by the Majin.

"Well, isn't it what we expected?"

A pair of rare-grade daggers and a potion belt, and an infinite backpack provided by the association.

Tae-hyun said nonchalantly and disarmed himself.

"Guide me."

As the Majin approached, the entrance to Tartarus opened.

'Indeed. It's worthy of being called the labyrinth of the deepest part of the Abyss.'

From the entrance, it looked three times larger than the Labyrinth Minotaur.

He was curious about what kind of monster was ruling this place.

"This way."

It was not even ten steps that Tae-hyun had walked following the Majin.

Ding.

[Skill usage detected. You have been afflicted with Engraved Nightmare (S). You resist with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]

[Skill usage detected. You have been afflicted with Necromancy (S). You resist with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]

[Skill usage detected. You have been afflicted with Hikkikomori (S). You resist with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]

Dozens of curses poured down on Tae-hyun.

Each of them was a skill that was no less than that of an S-rank player.

'Were there still this many Majin left?'

Tae-hyun checked the status window, surprised by the remnants' strength.

The power of Devouring negated the effects of the curses.

However, the association's tracking skills and buff skills that had been placed on Tae-hyun had been removed.

'That's good, actually.'

It was a strategy he had been following from the beginning to ease Ji Jin-hee's worries.

And now that the strategy had gone awry from the start.

All actions would be up to Tae-hyun.

"Follow me. This way."

The Majin pointed to one of the forks as if nothing had happened.

"Hey."

Tae-hyun, who had stopped walking, quietly called the Majin.

"Questions are not allowed. If you don't hurry, Yoo Ah-young's life will be in..."

It was instantaneous.

Tae-hyun grabbed the Majin's neck.

"Cough..."

"Do you like truth games?"

Ding.

[Skill Complete Hypnosis (S) has been activated. Targeting the subject. Concentrating mana.]

Tae-hyun's eyes, which had turned crimson, met the Majin's panicked eyes.

"What are you doi..."

"You don't have to answer."

Mana was concentrated in Tae-hyun's crimson eyes.

"Because I'll read it myself."

The intensified crimson magic.

Began to rummage through the Majin's head.

Episode 209

The Mind trembled.

Blood flowed from his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.

It was the price for being subjected to 'Perfect Hypnosis' for a mere two minutes.

Taehyun released his grip on the Mind's neck.

Thud.

The Mind collapsed, crawling on the floor.

His mind was already shattered.

All he could do was writhe and emit strange moans.

Watching him, Taehyun muttered softly.

"A mass-produced type, huh..."

One of the pieces of information gleaned from scanning the Mind's memories.

It was that the guy before him was also a case of being elevated from A-rank to S-rank through procedures.

Procedures weren't inherently bad, but the Association strictly limited the eligibility requirements.

This was to prevent the emergence of uncontrollable Minds.

But illegal activities always thrived in the shadows.

Taehyun was well aware of this fact.

'A much higher quality enhancement procedure is being performed than I thought.'

The more he considered the mastermind behind it, the more astonished he became.

'To make a Mind whose name isn't even known into a mid-tier S-rank player... Could it be related to demonization?'

In his past life, Minds were always an issue.

People always wanted results beyond their efforts.

It had been a long time since the world had come to evaluate Awakened Ones' ranks and skills as currency.

There was nothing easier to fall for than the temptation of becoming strong easily.

That's why they were able to be so active, even though various guilds and associations were so busy hunting them down.

And.

"There's a formidable guy waiting."

The first national-level Mind, Kasim Zolt.

He learned that the demon from Kazakhstan was here.

An entity with power that even Cody Cruise in his past life couldn't subdue.

He had joined forces with Min Jihong and Shadow.

'This isn't going to be as easy as I thought.'

Kasim Zolt was considered one of the most heinous Minds until Taehyun's death.

He led a terrorist organization called Harsultan and even received the title of SS-rank Mind.

On the other hand, he was the perfect opponent for Taehyun, who was hungry for growth.

Ding.

[Unique Skill Devour (SS) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]

Crimson-black teeth emerged from under the crawling Mind.

Crunch. Crunch.

Devour swallowed him whole before he could even scream, and then disappeared.

There were no messages indicating that a skill had been registered or stats had increased.

It was a noticeable difference compared to when he was active in the Abyss not long ago.

"Hmm... It seems like this isn't even making a dent anymore."

Taehyun's body was now incomparably stronger than before.

He easily exceeded 300 in all stats without buffs, and his magic stat was close to 500.

It would be strange if devouring an S-rank Mind now would increase his stats.

Raising a stat of 1 when you have 100 versus raising a stat of 1 when you have 300.

He was well aware of the truth that the effort couldn't be the same.

How many S-rank Minds would he have to eat to raise his stats?

Shadow or Min Jihong.

Or guys like Kasim Zolt?

There were delicious prey lined up just thinking about it.

'Not using Yoo Ayoung as a bargaining chip means they're going to observe a little longer.'

Maybe it was to deplete his strength.

A place the size of Tartarus would be perfect to get lost in.

At least hundreds of S-rank Minds scattered throughout the labyrinth.

It would become increasingly disadvantageous for Taehyun, who had entered the labyrinth without proper potions, as time passed.

'That's what they must be thinking.'

Smirk.

Taehyun couldn't help but chuckle and released his magic power.

Kwaaaaaa.

One thing they had overlooked.

That was that Taehyun had the exquisite skill he had obtained from Ricky Hallis.

Crimson-black magic began to spread throughout the labyrinth.

"They're going to keep an eye on me."

Ding.

[Skill Energy Drain (S) has been activated. The subject is not specified.]

"I'll have to work hard and run around."

Feeling the magic power of dozens of detected Minds.

Taehyun's body moved quickly.

Whether a skill was curse-type or magic-type.

Unless it was an area-of-effect type, it was natural that the target setting had to be clear.

Either visually confirm the target directly.

Or have the opponent get caught in the magic power you released.

A sense of distance that the skill caster could be certain of was essential.

In that regard, the hundreds of Minds waiting in Tartarus were extremely embarrassed.

The player from Shin-Hanguk, Kim Taehyun.

They had installed traps and magic throughout the labyrinth to catch him.

It was an angle that could never be avoided.

And if he managed to block it, even the most robust body would be tattered.

The traps that the S-rank Minds had painstakingly prepared.

All of those things were now.

Being nullified by a single person.

Crackle. Crackle.

Sparks flew in the empty air.

It was the installation-type S-rank skill 'Lightning Trap'.

"He's using stealth!! Activate breach skills!!"

At someone's shout, numerous skills were used to break Taehyun's stealth.

Ding.

[Skill Spider Trap (S) has been activated.]

[Skill Watcher's Eye (S) has been activated.]

[Skill Awakened One Search (S) has been activated.]

Even a national-level player would have difficulty enduring such a barrage of skills.

But.

[Skill use detected. Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]

Taehyun nonchalantly ignored the skills and was busy cutting down the Minds one by one.

Thwack.

Taehyun's sword, which had perfectly concealed its presence, pierced the Mind's solar plexus.

It was a Magic-grade dagger that he had picked up after defeating an assassin-type Mind a moment ago.

"……!!"

Taehyun immediately threw himself forward, rotating his body halfway.

Similarly, a Rare-grade item acquired from a swordsman-type Mind.

The long sword bisected the body of the Mind using stealth.

"Cough..."

The Mind, whose stealth had been dispelled, had an unbelievable look on his face.

Taehyun smiled at the sight.

"I can see everything~"

This time, Taehyun threw the long sword he was holding far away.

Whoosh.

Thwack.

The sword flew with a chilling sound and pierced the Mind's stomach.

"Kuhack..."

The guy who had been preparing an area-of-effect skill while using stealth collapsed.

"I can smell the magic power~"

With 'Eyes of the Superior' and 'Energy Drain', the Minds were practically in the palm of his hand.

He could clearly see the Minds in the area scattering.

Taehyun wasn't going to let them.

Ding.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been activated. Targeting the subject. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

Hwaaaaaa.

A silent darkness descended on the labyrinth.

Debuffs. Chains. Gravity. Paralysis. Domination of the five senses, etc.

The Minds began to scream silently in a festival of all sorts of skills.

Taehyun snapped his fingers.

Ding.

[Skill Energy Drain (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

Suck. Suck.

Pazzzzzzz.

In inverse proportion to the magic power being absorbed into Taehyun, the bodies of the Minds withered as if they had become mummies.

The magic power that had been plummeting quickly rose.

'This is too stingy.'

Even though there were over a hundred people connected to 'Energy Drain' right now.

The message that stats had increased still hadn't popped up.

He could realize anew how great the difference was between the magic power contained in monsters and humans.

If these were S-rank monsters instead of S-rank Minds?

At least 1 or more stats would have certainly increased.

'I need to wrap things up here and quickly move on to the Abyss.'

Taehyun was intentionally using his skills.

It didn't take long for the Minds to lose their lives in front of him.

When there were no more Minds detected, Taehyun opened his status window.

Name: Kim Taehyun

Age: 20

Rank: S

Strength: 328 Stamina: 329 Speed: 320 Magic: 470 Charisma: 240

Fatigue: 15%

Remaining Magic Power: 470/470

[Unique Skill]

Devour (SS) - Can devour the desired target. Demonic Power: 120

[General Skills]

Perfect Hypnosis (S) - Hypnotizes the target. Demonic Power: 100

Blood Frenzy (S) - Activates physical abilities. Demonic Power: 100

Eyes of the Superior (S) - Sees through the opponent. Demonic Power: 10

Apocalypse (S) - Forms an infinite field. Demonic Power: 200

Dragon's Wrath (S) - Emits magic-enhanced aura. Demonic Power: 100

Beast Transformation (S) - Transforms the body. Demonic Power: 200

Energy Compose (S) - Materializes energy made of magic power. Demonic Power: 60

Energy Drain (S) - Absorbs the opponent's magic power. Demonic Power: 60

Memorize (S) - Activates recording magic. Demonic Power: 300

[Summon Skills]

Rosaria (S) - Summons the Queen of Succubi, Rosaria. Demonic Power: 300

Hazard (S) - Summons the Dragon Lord, Hazard. Demonic Power: 11000

Igmun (S) - Summons the Vampire Lord, Igmun. Demonic Power: 550

Orgal (S) - Summons the Beast King, Orgal. Demonic Power: 8000

Beelzebub (S) - Summons the Demon King, Beelzebub. Demonic Power: 10000

Jormungandr (S) - Summons the Sea King, Jormungandr. Demonic Power: 9000

As expected, there was no change in stats compared to before entering the labyrinth.

'Hmm...'

Strength, stamina, and speed stats had slightly increased while training in the ancient martial art, White Fang.

Other than that, the charisma stat had increased by about 10 without him knowing, and that was it.

'This one really goes up steadily.'

The stat that he still hadn't found a use for had already exceeded 200.

'It's a waste the more I look at it.'

If a 'Charisma' stat had been created, it would have been of great help in handling aura-type techniques.

''Charisma' and 'Charm' can only manifest one of the two.'

It was a fact that had already been statistically proven.

Just as Taehyun was about to dispel the skills with a regretful heart.

"Youth is good after all."

Automatic translation was executed through the earring attached to his ear.

"……."

The skill 'World of Silence' was melted into the fusion skill 'Apocalypse'.

Therefore, unless you were someone who could resist Taehyun's magic power.

You shouldn't be able to make any sound in this place.

"Oh my. The main dish has already arrived."

Taehyun stared at the elderly man walking from afar.

On the surface, he was just an old man in his 70s.

But.

The magic power emanating from his straight body, unlike an old man, felt somewhat familiar.

The gloomy magic power flowing around him was fending off the approaching chains.

Eventually, the old man stopped thirty steps away.

"You've killed a lot of my soldiers."

The old man revealed his rotten teeth.

His sunken eyes had already turned crimson.

"Kim Taehyun. The contractor of Archduke Rosaria, is it?"

"Kasim Zolt."

At the old man's question, Taehyun spoke the other's name.

"Hehe. You know me."

'Could this guy also be an Archduke contractor?'

The magic power that Taehyun felt familiar was similar to that of 'Venom', whom he had faced before.

There were only two cases where a human could emit the magic power of a monster.

Either they had undergone demonization experiments.

Or they had a contract with an Archduke.

And judging from the amount of magic power he was feeling, it was closer to the latter.

'The contracted Archduke is...'

The leader of the Mind organization Harsultan and a terrorist who was designated as the first SS-rank Mind.

His mouth opened.

"Archduke Beelzebub. He desires your head."

Kasim Zolt grinned and revealed his rotten teeth.

"Of course, I also have quite a bit of personal interest. How about it? Won't you obediently come with me? I don't like damaging experimental subjects, you see."

Taehyun quietly nodded his head.

"I never thought I would agree with a Mind."

"Hmm?"

"I happen to need your body too."

Ding.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

"Kasim Zolt. What skills do you have?"

In the crushing magic power.

The corners of the mouths of the two Archduke contractors went up.

210

"Ugh...."

"Oh? You're awake?"

Shadow turned his head towards Yoo Ah-young, who had regained consciousness.

He was about to wake her up anyway, as he had just received a report that Kim Tae-hyun had entered.

"How is it? Does it feel like you're the main character of the stage?"

Shadow whispered in Yoo Ah-young's ear with a sneer.

"G...get...lost..."

Ah-young said, as if spitting out the words with her mouth barely opening.

How long had she been unconscious?

Her wounds weren't properly treated, and she hadn't eaten in days, it seemed.

As a result, her physical condition was terrible.

"Still not grasping the situation? Or..."

Crack.

Shadow's hand gripped Yoo Ah-young's shoulder.

He crushed her trained body with just a little force.

"Do you want your other arm torn off too?"

"Kuh..."

Yoo Ah-young groaned.

The pain cleared her blurry consciousness.

She was just a fish caught in a net.

There was no point in provoking Shadow here.

Ah-young lowered her eyes in humiliation.

"Yes. That's the look that suits you now."

Shadow tapped Ah-young's cheek and grinned.

"No need to be impatient. Your role is over now."

'......!!'

Ah-young's eyes trembled at the words "role is over."

Shadow raised Ah-young's chin.

"Come to think of it, you played a part in hindering my work at every turn."

Shadow's lips curled up as if he was pondering for a moment.

"I'll give you a chance, Yoo Ah-young."

"......"

"Pledge your allegiance to me. Then I'll let you out of here."

He meant to make her a spy in exchange for saving her life.

It was a tempting offer, but.

"Get lost, you trash."

Ah-young couldn't hold back any longer and spat out the words.

"Too bad."

Shadow said, covering Ah-young's mouth with his lips.

"......!!"

Surprised, Ah-young wriggled her body in protest, but that was all she could do.

At the same time as the kiss.

"You dog..."

Thud.

Shadow's fist struck Ah-young's abdomen.

"Don't worry. Your life is still worth something."

As long as Yoo Ah-young was here, Kim Tae-hyun couldn't leave this place.

He already knew that the two of them were in a special relationship.

Ah-young's body limped again.

Shadow, watching her, emptied the remaining wine.

In the labyrinth, mass-produced S-rank minds were scattered in groups.

Half were remnants of the Triads and malignant guilds, and the rest were members of Har Sultan led by Kasim Zolt.

They had enough power to devastate a country if they wanted to.

Even so, it wasn't enough.

'Buying time or exhausting stamina.'

Against Kim Tae-hyun, it would be nothing more and nothing less.

'Has that brat come this far?'

Just a year ago, he was dismissed as just a guy who had awakened a pretty decent skill.

That guy became an S-rank player.

A national-level player.

An SS-rank player.

Before he knew it, he became a Great Duke contractor, destroying his castle that he had built up for decades and chasing him to his doorstep.

He couldn't help but feel a new emotion about Tae-hyun's growth.

'Kim Tae-hyun. I'll have to take your life here.'

He even called Kasim Zolt to avoid making the same mistake this time.

The nightmare of Kazakhstan.

The contractor of the Great Duke Beelzebub.

A malignancy(惡性) even recognized by Min Ji-hong, the contractor of Orgahl.

He was an even more insane man than he thought.

Even though he had already transcended humans, he wanted the corpse of the Great Duke's contractor to reach a new realm.

And he claimed ownership of Kim Tae-hyun's body instead of Min Ji-hong, who was absent.

Shadow didn't care.

It didn't matter if Kim Tae-hyun was captured and killed by Kasim Zolt.

Even if Kasim Zolt couldn't completely handle Kim Tae-hyun, he could finish him off.

'Your journey ends here, brat.'

Shadow smirked bitterly, keeping even the final plan in mind.

At that time.

Kugugugung.

A huge amount of magic shook the labyrinth.

Shadow chuckled in vain.

The labyrinth Tartaros was by no means small.

As a labyrinth located in the depths, it was full of large monsters.

To release this much magic in such a labyrinth.

He knew, having seen some of the monsters in the deepest part with Min Ji-hong.

'I'd believe it even if it was an SS+ rank monster, not a human.'

Just like his partner.

Just like Min Ji-hong.

Following Tae-hyun's magic, a new magic revealed its presence.

It was Kasim Zolt's.

The clash of the two magics seemed vivid even to Shadow, who was far away.

"Well, let's start the game."

Sssst.

Shadow's body disappeared into the labyrinth.

Tring.

[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

Kugugugu.

[Output 60... 70... 80... 90... 100%.]

[Skill enhancement has reached its limit. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

It felt like his whole body was being crushed.

In addition, his stats had plummeted.

Kim Tae-hyun in front of him was getting stronger and stronger.

A field skill whose value varies depending on the caster's ability.

And the 'Apocalypse' that Tae-hyun was using was showing a power that couldn't be compared to any field skill he had ever encountered.

Crack.

"Amazing."

One of his arms exploded, unable to withstand the magic.

Kasim Zolt admired as he looked at his arm covered in blood.

Kim Tae-hyun of Shinhan.

He first recognized him in the West Point auction house terror incident.

Kasim Zolt sent Narendra Nehru there.

To get the elixir that would help his research.

To get the 'Phoenix Potion'.

It wasn't a mission that Narendra Nehru, who had reached the level of an upper S-rank player, would fail.

It was Tae-hyun, who had just become an S-rank player, who made him fail.

At that time, he thought he was just a rookie.

A national-level player.

A title that brats gave themselves to show off their strength.

Many geniuses aiming for that spot.

One of the many sacrifices who had not yet experienced despair and frustration.

He had to devote himself to research in order to digest Beelzebub's power.

Kasim Zolt spent time in the shadows, promising a future date.

In the meantime, Kim Tae-hyun had become an even more brilliant existence.

Now, even he, who had completely digested the power of the Great Duke, was overwhelming him.

"He wasn't just a rookie, he was a predator."

Kasim Zolt praised Tae-hyun's strength.

Unlike his words, his mouth was smiling.

"You're a gloomy old man."

Tae-hyun clicked his tongue as he watched him.

One of his arms was blown off by the fully deployed 'Apocalypse'.

Even so, he didn't look cornered at all.

'Come to think of it, this guy was also a summoner.'

Before Tae-hyun regressed.

Kasim Zolt had killed at least a dozen SS-rank players.

When he appeared, he was always accompanied by monsters that made the surroundings feel like the Abyss.

Recalling his past infamy, Tae-hyun approached quickly.

Kasim Zolt was holding an unidentified staff in his remaining arm.

Before he summoned a monster.

He was going to cut off his breath now while he was intimidated.

Sssst.

Tae-hyun, hiding in the darkness of the Apocalypse, quickly grabbed Kasim Zolt from behind.

And.

Clang.

Tae-hyun's dagger was blocked by the barrier created by Kasim Zolt.

Kaga gagaga.

The barrier cracked as Tae-hyun applied force.

He was about to cut him down along with the barrier.

"Interesting. Interesting."

"......!!"

Tae-hyun hurriedly stepped back as the magic suddenly exploded.

Fzzzt. Fzzzzzt.

Sparks began to fly around Kasim Zolt.

He had begun to release his magic in earnest.

'Too bad.'

He didn't intend to pour all his strength into Kasim Zolt here.

He also had to keep in mind the battles with Min Ji-hong and Shadow that would come later.

'I'll save the blood frenzy and predation.'

Clicking his tongue inwardly.

Tae-hyun used the next skill.

Tring.

[Skill Dragon's Wrath (S) has been activated. Specifies the target.]

Quarrrrr!!

Kasim Zolt's face frowned at the unexpected momentum.

One of his skills had been canceled by Tae-hyun's last attack.

"Not bad."

But he didn't just have one skill, and neither did Tae-hyun.

Tring.

[Skill Beast Transformation (S) has been activated. Specifies the mimetic area.]

Kwaddeuk. Kwaddeudeuk.

Tae-hyun's arms and legs swelled grotesquely.

At the same time, Kasim Zolt's second skill was used.

Tring.

[Skill Dystopia (SS) has been activated. Specifies the target.]

Hwaaaaaak.

Tae-hyun's body, which was about to rush at Kasim Zolt, stopped abruptly.

'Apocalypse is... being pushed back?'

Tae-hyun's domain, which had been enhanced to its limit.

It was being pushed back by the gloomy magic emanating from Kasim Zolt's body.

Then Kasim Zolt's arm, which had exploded after dispelling the debuff, began to regenerate.

Kwaddeud. Kwaddeudeudeud.

An unidentified bone with no flesh instantly popped out.

Kasim Zolt clenched and unfolded his hand as if satisfied.

It was slower and more incomplete than the saint's 'super-fast regeneration'.

But that alone made Tae-hyun upgrade his risk level.

Kkuuuk.

Tae-hyun, who had condensed his leg muscles, rushed at Kasim Zolt.

At that moment, dozens of barriers made of magic unfolded in front of Kasim Zolt.

Kwaang.

Kwaang. Kwaang. Kwaang.

Tae-hyun relentlessly broke through the barriers and moved forward.

In the meantime, Kasim Zolt had retreated far back.

As if inviting him into his own domain.

As if inviting him into 'Dystopia'.

"What are you doing? Aren't you aiming for my neck?"

Kasim Zolt provoked Tae-hyun.

"......"

Tae-hyun broke the last barrier and distanced himself from him.

"Hoo. Why is that?"

'How many skills does this guy have?'

He handles magic as naturally as Tae-hyun.

He couldn't help but feel suspicious.

"Don't you know? Skills are no longer important to awakened beings like us."

"......!!"

"I'll show you from my side this time."

Tring.

[Skill Dystopia (SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

[Output 70... 80... 90... 100%.]

[Skill enhancement has reached its limit. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

Kugugugung.

Gloomy magic shook the area.

"How is it? Has your opinion changed now?"

Watching the Apocalypse that was beginning to crack.

"You're full of it."

Tae-hyun smiled and used the next skill.

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